John Baptista Costa, 93, of East Freetown passed away peacefully on December 7, 2021 at his home.
Born in Elizabeth, NJ, he was the son of the late John N. Costa and Maria Piedade (Nobre) Costa. He was preceded by his wife of 64 years Edith (Duarte) Costa as well as his brothers Arthur Costa, Anthony N. Costa, Anthony Costa (who passed at 6 months of age), and a sister, Antonia Araujo.
He is survived by his son, Joel Costa of New Bedford; a daughter Janet Costa Bates of Canton, MA and her husband Roy Bates; two grandsons, Michael and Christian Bates and two great grandchildren, LeAnna and Cameron; his sister, Mary Araujo; and many nieces and nephews. Late in his life he was blessed with wonderful caregivers, especially Georgina Marabuto.
John served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saipan and was a longtime employee of Stillwater Fasteners of Freetown. An avid golfer, he was a member of the 9-18 Golf Club and the Heritage Hill Country Club. A talented bowler, he was a member of the Twilight and NFL bowling leagues at WonderBowl. He enjoyed time spent as a member of the United Social Club, the Verdean Vets, and the Holy Name Society. He loved traveling and took many happy trips with his wife Edith and the Turtle Travel Club. Other joys included time spent with his grandsons, taking care of his yard, and his New York Yankees. He and Edith were lifelong and proud members of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. He loved and was loved by his family and legions of friends. He will be greatly missed.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 13 at 9:00AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 12 from 2:00PM- 5:00PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guest book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com. The family kindly requests that masks be worn at the wake and funeral.