Joseph B. Costa

Webster – Joseph Bernard Costa, 82, peacefully passed away on January 3 at his home while being cared for by home hospice professionals.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cecile (Harpin) Costa.

Joseph is survived by his sons, Craig Costa and wife Michelle of The Villages FL, Gary Costa of Webster MA and Todd Costa and wife Darcy of Carolina Shores NC as well as daughters Linda Laney and husband Jim of North Brookfield MA and Sue Pataky and husband George of Leicester MA.  He was the proud grandfather to grandchildren: Courtney Green (husband Stephan) of Sugar Hill GA, Camden Costa of Atlanta GA, Caitlyn Reinagel (husband Daniel) of Spring Hill KS, Ryan Costa (wife Kaleigh) of Worcester MA, Emily Costa of Carolina Shores NC, Erica Laney (husband Nick Main) of Rehoboth MA, Samantha Laney (husband Daniel Jacobson) of Somerville MA, James Laney (partner Sanna Mumtaz) of Worcester MA, Liam Pataky of Leicester MA as well as three great-grandchildren (Callum, Violet and Malachi).

He was predeceased by his brother Robert Costa and sister Sandra Lavallee.  He is survived by his brothers Richard Costa (wife Jeanne) of Rio Rancho NM, David Costa (wife Mary) of Woodstock GA and Janice DiBonaventura (husband Jim) of Woodstock CT.

Born in Southbridge, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Bernardine (Souza) Costa.  Joseph graduated from Mary E. Wells High School and lived in Southbridge for many years before moving to Webster. After decades in the grocery industry, he retired following a long career specializing in meat cutting and managing the meat/deli departments. He began his career at Big Bunny’s in Southbridge while also working at various other grocers in the Worcester County area such as Iandoli’s and Shaw’s.

Joseph had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and continued riding well into his seventies. He cherished time with his wife, his children and their families, and friends from the many churches he attended over the years. Joseph loved reminiscing about his childhood and the wonderful times spent with his siblings, especially their tradition of gathering every Sunday for meals and activities, even as adults. One favorite memory was the years he bowled alongside his brothers and father as part of the Triton Troupadors league at Hippodrome Lanes in Southbridge. A devoted New England sports fan, Joseph nonetheless maintained a lifelong loyalty to his beloved New York Football Giants, a love that began in childhood.

Above all, his greatest devotion was to Jesus, a faith deeply rooted in his Christian beliefs and a defining hallmark of his life. There was no better example of his kindness for others than in the Winter of 1970 when both he and his brother David saved a drowning child that had fallen into a well. This act of bravery and compassion from both of them resulted in a life saved and earned both of them town-wide recognition from the Southbridge Fraternal Order of Police Associates in February 1971 as the lifesaving award story of the year. He was extremely proud to have made such an impact in saving a 7 year old boy’s life.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A graveside memorial service to honor Joseph’s life will be held at a later date with his family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph B. Costa, please visit our floral store.