George "Smiley" Costa

Taunton – George “Smiley” Costa, age 86 formerly of South Dartmouth, died peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2014 at Longmeadow of Taunton. He was the husband of the late Irene (Rapoza) Costa and the son of Mary Isabel (Ponte) and Manuel Costa. He was born in Dartmouth, where he spent most of his life, excluding his time in the military and worked as a Truck Driver until his retirement. “Smiley” was a member of Post 1 American Legion, the Portuguese American Social Club and the Stackhouse Club.
Mr. Costa proudly served our country during WWII in the United States Navy and held the rank of Seaman First Class. He was an honored recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal and the Bronze Star.
His family includes his 10 children: Dale McCleary of New Bedford, Linda Costa of New Bedford, Raymond Costa of Dartmouth, Georgianna Nickerson of Kansas, Shirley Medeiros of New Bedford, Debra Bowley of New Bedford, Patricia Verissimo of Dartmouth, David Costa of New Bedford, John Costa of Dartmouth and the late Nancy Jeronymo; as well as 27 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Mr. Costa was predeceased by several siblings.
His funeral will be Tuesday at PERRY FUNERAL HOME, 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford, at 9:00 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish at 10:00 A.M. Burial with full military honors will follow at Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Monday evening in the funeral home from 6 – 8 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.