George R. Costa

New Bedford – George R. Costa, of Fairhaven, son of the late Manuel and Mabel (Mello) Costa, passed away Sunday, October 13, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. George was born in New Bedford and educated in the New Bedford school system. For many years, he raised his family in Dartmouth. He was formerly employed at Chamberlain Manufacturing as a Carpenter. Following the closing of Chamberlain, he was self-employed as a Contractor. George previously held the title of President of the Bristol County Dog Training Club. He always loved dogs and throughout his years he had many by his side. It was not surprising to see George on late nights fishing off the bridges in Fairhaven or Padanaram. Fishing was a love along with camping with family and friends. George was not an early bird but loved his late nights, often found with a group of friends that would get together in the evening to hang out at the Dunkin Donuts on Dartmouth St. and later on at Honey Dew in Fairhaven. However, most of all, he loved family get-togethers with his children and grandchildren.
George leaves behind 5 children: Dana Costa and his wife, Dorena, of Rochester, Anthony Costa and his wife, Susan, of Dartmouth, James Costa of Fairhaven, Traci Martin and her husband, Kevin, of Dartmouth and Jonathan Costa of New Bedford. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren that he adored: Alison Costa, Rachel Costa, Zackary Martin, Nicole Martin and Nathan Martin of Dartmouth, and Madison and Kyle Costa of Rochester. Along with his children and grandchildren, he leaves behind 5 sisters: Melba Gordon and her husband, Henry “Skippy”, of Fairhaven, Bernie Galligo and her husband, Stanley, of Dartmouth, Evelyn Farland and her husband, Armand, of Dartmouth, Hilda Connor of Dartmouth and Lillian Lyle of New Hampshire, and 3 brothers: Daniel Costa and his wife, Elizabeth, of New Bedford, Ronald “Ronnie” Costa and his wife, Dee, of New Bedford and Florida, and Raymond Costa and his wife, Lisa, of South Carolina. George also leaves behind his former wife, Terri Costa, of Westport and his “best friend” and nephew Dennis Farland of New Bedford. In addition, he leaves behind several nieces, nephews and good friends including Sandra Farland of Dartmouth and his cousin, Jimmy Mello.
His children would like to say a special thanks to Aunt Mel and Uncle Skip for having him live with them for several years before his passing. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Blanchard of Southcoast Center Cancer Care in Fairhaven whose care and kindness to our dad was exceptional. Along with a thanks to the staff at New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital.
Family and friends are invited to attend his Memorial of Life at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford, beginning at 9:45 A.M. on Wednesday, October 16. We would like all to share memories of George with us during the service. A Service will take place at Long Plain United Methodist Church, 1215 Main St. in Acushnet, at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will take place Tuesday, October 15 in the funeral home from 5 – 8 P.M.