David Walter Costa

Colonel David Walter Costa, (retired), 90, of New Hampshire passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 13th at his home.

He was born on May 7, 1931 in Bristol, Rhode Island to the late Manuel and Mary (Olivera) Costa.

Dave was a graduate of Colt Memorial High School in Bristol, Rhode Island, Class of 1949. He went on to attend the University of Rhode Island where he earned a degree in Business Administration and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Class of 1954.

Dave worked hard from a young age on his family’s Rhode Island farm. He was a long-time member of the Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was awarded the Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Award in 1945 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Dave carried his stellar work ethic with him throughout his life and within his successful careers in the U.S. Army, the U.S. Government, (Defense Logistics Agency), and with Coopers & Lybrand. He liked to spend his personal time watching M*A*S*H, Notre Dame and Patriots football games, cheering on the Celtics and Red Sox, reading the Harry Potter books, tending to his gorgeous gardens and hanging out with his friends and family at “The Brat” in Portsmouth. Dave was truly loved by all who knew him. He was a humble, strong, and generous man with a ready smile and a wily sense of humor.

Dave is predeceased by his wife, Melissa Hall Costa, and is survived by his beloved sister, Hilda Degnan of Bristol, Rhode Island; his children, David Costa Jr. (Julie), Jon Costa (Tammy), Suzanne Costa (Jodi), Jennifer Costa Berdux (Chris), and Maria Costa; grandchildren, Nicholas, John (Isabel), Emily, Sara Jane, Molly Grace, Benjamin, and Matthew. Dave’s grandchildren, adoringly, called him “Papa” and he could not hide his delight and pride in them.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 30th, 9:30 – 10:30 AM at the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, Bristol RI followed by a Mass Of Christian Burial 11AM, at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street, Bristol RI..  Burial with military honor will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of David W. Costa, Sr. to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

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