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Edward Costa Obituary
Born in East Providence, Edward was the son of the late John and Olive (Enos) Costa. He leaves a son, John Thomas Costa and his wife Diane of Cranston and a daughter, Leanne Marie Zarella and her husband Michael of East Greenwich; his beloved grandchildren; Lila, Catherine, Cristian, and Michael; and a sister, Eleanor Dix and her husband James of East Providence.
Edward was a graduate of Providence College and the University of Rhode Island. He served in a variety of capacities at the Rhode Island Department of Education, and retired as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Department.
He was active in many professional organizations and served on several public and private corporate and non-profit boards, commissions, and advisory committees. He was the past president of the McAuley Ministries Board of Directors and a current trustee for the Cranston Public Libraries.
Edward was decorated by the President of Portugal as Commander of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator, the second highest Portuguese honor in recognition of his outstanding efforts for the Portuguese people in Rhode Island.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Cranston St., Cranston, and may call at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston on Tuesday 4-8 p.m. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edward's memory to: McAuley Ministries, 622 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02907, or Cranston Public Libraries, 140 Sockanosset Rd., Cranston, RI 02920 would be deeply appreciated. VISIT www.nardolillo.com for information and online condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Costa
Joe (also Anna & David) Florenzano
September 14, 2008
Dear Roberta and Family,
We were saddened to hear about Ed's passing. My mother, Anna Florenzano, worked with Ed for many years in the Dept. Of Education. Through her association with Ed, our family had several opportunities to meet Ed and his family. We have many fond memories of Ed. Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your husband and father. Our prayers are with all of you during this time of your loss.
Ron & Carole Vincent Sr.
September 11, 2008
Roberta & family:
We are so very saddened by the death of our friend Ed. We all knew how sick he was but when it happens its still the end and very hard to take.
We are here for all of you if there is anything you need at any time do not hesitate to give us a call.
Our prayers are that you all are given the extra strength you need at this time. We love you all!
God bless!
Love, Carole & Ron
Ann Dorsi
September 11, 2008
Dear Roberta:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of bearevement. My memories of Ed are very special.
As you know I had the pleasure of working for and with Ed during my Department of Education career. I feel priviliged to have known Ed who inspired so many and left so many of us with valuable lessons that we perhaps may pass on to others who may continue to benefit from Ed's beliefs and values. May these treasured memories and the joy he gave to his family and friends allow you to endure during this time of loss.
Ann Lefebvre-Dorsi
Ginny & Kenny Grande
September 10, 2008
Dear Roberta:
We are so sorry to hear about Ed's passing. We have such fond memories of our trip to Italy with you & Ed. Although it was my first time meeting Ed, I found him to be so sweet and personable. We shared many laughs together on that trip. I wish that we could have gotten together before he passed on.
Ed was a good man and I know that he has already entered the gates of heaven.
Our prayers are with you and your wonderful family.
Rick's Cleansers
Cynthia Danella-Ricci
September 10, 2008
Dear Roberta,John,and Leanne
Lillian & I are so sorry for your loss.Ed was a special person always helping others including me and Lillian.We will always be grateful for his kindness.We were very blessed to have you as neighbors for so many years.You will always be in our hearts and prayers.
Ken & Grace Enos
September 9, 2008
Dear Roberta, John and Diane, Lee Anne and Michael,
Ed,
Was a wonderful father and husband. He touched so many lives with his caring for everyone in need. Please know that we share in your great loss. Even though we are not there. Know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Elizabeth (Luft) Desrochers
September 9, 2008
Dear Roberta, John, Leanne & Family,
It's been many years, yet you are all still in my heart.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
My prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
YWCA Greater Rhode Island
September 9, 2008
The staff and Board of Directors of the YWCA Greater Rhode Island extend their sincere wishes of consolation to our friend and supporter, Roberta Costa, and her family.
Nancy Carignan
September 9, 2008
Dear Roberta,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your dear husband. Ed was a wonderful person to work with--he possessed a truly compassionate spirit. His passing is a shock to us all, but he has moved onward to his next great adventure. God will be with him for certain.
Marvin Novogrodski
September 9, 2008
My sincere condolences during this time.
Jack & Lisa Sinclair
September 9, 2008
Auntie Roberta, John, Leanne, and Eleanor: I'm so sorry for your loss. Our memories of Uncle Eddie have always been of a caring, loving, and very special human being. Our love and thoughts are with you.
Patti Raffferty Mellor
September 8, 2008
Mrs. Costa, Leanne and John,
You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences to you all.
Patti Rafferty Mellor
Robert Enos
September 8, 2008
Dear Roberta, John & Dianne, LeAnne & Michael-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Ed was a great person, generous and fun to be with. We have many fond memories of him, and he will be missed.
Bobby, Joni & Victoria
Rose Marie (Tavares) Campbell
September 8, 2008
Please accept my heartfelt prayers and condolences on the loss of a fine man. I have many fond memories of the summer get togethers at the Narrows with other friends and educators in the area many years ago. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Al and Marilyn (Romano) Pellini
September 8, 2008
We send our deepest sympathies. Both my husband and I knew Ed as young people, and we followed his distinguished career throughout the years. He was such a kind and caring person, and we know he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Nina Laurenzo
September 8, 2008
Dear Roberta,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Craig Enos
September 8, 2008
Dear Roberta, John and Diane, Lee Anne and Michael - We share in your grief at this time and know that your are in our prayers.
Ed was a great and generous man. He touched many lives during his short time with us. He always helped those in need and strived to make the world a better place. May his soul rest in peace.
Craig, Stephanie, Elizabeth and Daniel
Linda Cameron
September 8, 2008
Dear Roberta, John, and Leanne,
My heart goes out to all of you for the loss of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He held a special part in my life story and I was only a fraction of his overall impact in the world. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Cameron
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