1951
Thomas
2024
Thomas R. Costa, Jr.
October 27, 1951 — May 16, 2024
Dix Hills, NY
The Costa Family patriarch, Thomas Richard Costa, Jr.-- affectionately known as "Doc" and "PopPop" - has taken to the mound of life and thrown his last pitch. His jersey has officially been retired in our Field of Dreams. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and enough stories to fill a library. Doc was a man's man, a salt-of-the-earth character who embodied passion, generosity, and a strength of presence that could calm a storm, and at times, even his two sons.
Born into an Italian family of twelve children, Doc, in later years, took pride in becoming the head chef in a sincere effort to keep the old family traditions intact. Every holiday gathering was a culinary masterpiece. His children and the nine siblings that survive him will likely, for many years, prepare their best Italian delicacies to honor his legacy in the Costa kitchen.
Doc was a dream chaser, never hesitating to pursue his passions, with charisma and unwavering enthusiasm. He ran the first of his five Marathons on just three weeks of training and in brand new sneakers - showcasing his competitive spirit, tolerance for pain, and sacrifice to stay fashionable. Recently, Doc and two Costa brothers were inducted into the Canadian College Football Hall of Fame, a testament to their shared love for the game and extraordinary achievements playing together.
As a loving father to his two sons, Tommy and Andrew, Doc demonstrated the patience of a saint while guiding them through their coming of age. He was a devoted grandfather to Kate, Sabrina, Cristian, and Antonia. PopPop's presence and influence extended through the next generation of Costa's and beyond. He wasn't just a coach in name but a mentor and guiding light to hundreds of kids, including his sons, nieces, nephews, and grandson. His lessons on and off the field will echo into eternity.
Doc's farewell to this game of life leaves a void that can only be filled with the countless memories he gifted us. His life was a testament to living passionately, loving deeply, and never being afraid to dream big. Rest in peace, Doc. You left it all on the field, and while we have seen your last game, your spirit will forever coach us from that great sky box above - heaven - where, we pray, all of your dreams will come true.
Thomas is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Thomas, Sr., and his two sisters, Ann and Christine. In addition to son's Thomas Ill (wife Lorena), Andrew (wife Candice) and Deseri, Doc is backed up by loving siblings Maria, Gregory (Linda), Michael (Susan), Peter (Kathryn), Martin, Annette (Larry), Paul (Annie), John (Amy), and Andrea. And rapidly rising through the farm system, nieces and nephews Christine, Sean, Morgan, Mike, Julia, Nic, Daniel, Laura, Jack, Maddie, and Sam.
Born into an Italian family of twelve children, Doc, in later years, took pride in becoming the head chef in a sincere effort to keep the old family traditions intact. Every holiday gathering was a culinary masterpiece. His children and the nine siblings that survive him will likely, for many years, prepare their best Italian delicacies to honor his legacy in the Costa kitchen.
Doc was a dream chaser, never hesitating to pursue his passions, with charisma and unwavering enthusiasm. He ran the first of his five Marathons on just three weeks of training and in brand new sneakers - showcasing his competitive spirit, tolerance for pain, and sacrifice to stay fashionable. Recently, Doc and two Costa brothers were inducted into the Canadian College Football Hall of Fame, a testament to their shared love for the game and extraordinary achievements playing together.
As a loving father to his two sons, Tommy and Andrew, Doc demonstrated the patience of a saint while guiding them through their coming of age. He was a devoted grandfather to Kate, Sabrina, Cristian, and Antonia. PopPop's presence and influence extended through the next generation of Costa's and beyond. He wasn't just a coach in name but a mentor and guiding light to hundreds of kids, including his sons, nieces, nephews, and grandson. His lessons on and off the field will echo into eternity.
Doc's farewell to this game of life leaves a void that can only be filled with the countless memories he gifted us. His life was a testament to living passionately, loving deeply, and never being afraid to dream big. Rest in peace, Doc. You left it all on the field, and while we have seen your last game, your spirit will forever coach us from that great sky box above - heaven - where, we pray, all of your dreams will come true.
Thomas is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Thomas, Sr., and his two sisters, Ann and Christine. In addition to son's Thomas Ill (wife Lorena), Andrew (wife Candice) and Deseri, Doc is backed up by loving siblings Maria, Gregory (Linda), Michael (Susan), Peter (Kathryn), Martin, Annette (Larry), Paul (Annie), John (Amy), and Andrea. And rapidly rising through the farm system, nieces and nephews Christine, Sean, Morgan, Mike, Julia, Nic, Daniel, Laura, Jack, Maddie, and Sam.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas R. Costa, Jr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, May 30, 2024
4:00 - 8:30 pm (Eastern time)
Deer Park - Mangano Family Funeral Home
Inurnment
Friday, May 31, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Holy Rood Cemetery
Guestbook
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