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John Costa
John Costa, a hard-charging editor who left a big mark on newspapers in Florida and Oregon, died Tuesday (March 30, 2021). He was 76.
Mr. Costa and his wife had retired to Richmond, Virginia, to be close to their daughter and her family. He was out for a morning walk when he collapsed, apparently of heart failure.
A determined optimist, Mr. Costa never turned away from a challenge, confident that talent and energy could surmount almost any hurdle. He was devoted to his profession, to his family and to his country. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees.
Born in Ossining, N.Y., Mr. Costa graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia and promptly enlisted in the U.S. Army during the height of the Vietnam War. As a first lieutenant, he was posted as an intelligence officer and volunteered for combat during the Tet offensive in 1968.
When he left the Army, Mr. Costa became a reporter for his hometown newspaper in suburban New York. After covering a tanker truck of chlorine that was teetering off an overpass, he had drinks with another reporter who worked on the story. She would become his wife.
His biggest professional accomplishments came as an editor, leading reporters and directing news coverage. Over a journalism career that lasted a half-century, the two longest chapters were at the St. Petersburg (now Tampa Bay) Times and the Bulletin in Bend, Oregon.
When the St. Petersburg Times launched a major expansion into Tampa in 1987, Mr. Costa led the newsroom into that new territory. Eventually, that initiative led to the re-naming of the newspaper and the purchase of the Tampa Tribune.
In 1992, Mr. Costa left Florida for a mid-career sabbatical for journalists at the University of Michigan, and then headed west, first to Boise, Idaho and then to central Oregon, where he was the editor and then publisher of the Bulletin for more than two decades.
During his tenure, the business climate for local newspapers deteriorated sharply, but Mr. Costa kept standards high and led the Bulletin with resolve and good cheer. He retired two years ago, as the family owners prepared to sell the newspaper as part of the company's bankruptcy case.
Beyond his professional record, Mr. Costa leaves an accomplished family. His two sons hold Ph.D. degrees in science and math and hold senior positions at Nvidia, a technology company. His daughter is a lawyer for the State of Virginia, in its licensing of professionals.
He is survived by his wife Denise B. Costa; their three children, Anthony Costa and his wife, Allyson Costa, of Nyack, New York, Timothy Costa and his wife, Jennifer Costa, of Beaverton, Oregon, and Claire Costa Foley and her husband, Timothy Joseph Foley Jr., of Richmond, Virginia; five grandchildren, and his sister, Ann Bull of Ossining, New York.
In light of the pandemic, the family plans no immediate funeral services but will eventually scatter Mr. Costa's ashes in the Hudson River, returning to his boyhood home. Donations in his honor can be made to Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John was an exceptional person and awesome newspaperman. I had the distinct privilege of working with him for a decade. His expertise allowed our newspaper to grow market share and revenue and receive numerous awards many attributed directly to his editorial leadership.
He is not only missed but thought of often.
Keith and Peggy Foutz
Keith Foutz
Work
March 29, 2023
Lori, Jess, Shevaun & FUNPALS
April 12, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Simone Taylor
April 8, 2021
Thinking about you during this difficult time, Denise. We have thought about you, John and family often over the years. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Ken & Mary Mahoney
Friend
April 7, 2021
A wonderful neighbor in South Tampa in 80’s and early 90’s. Our daughters were dear friends when they were little. Blessings to Denise, Claire, Anthony and Timothy.
Fondly from the Morales family on Lamb Ave
Valerie Morales
Neighbor
April 4, 2021
I worked closely with John for almost a decade at The Bulletin in Bend, Or. He was a dedicated, smart, hard working Editor who I considered a friend as well as colleague.
Keith L Foutz
Friend
April 4, 2021
I read a lot about John bring a tough, hard- charging newsman, and he was. He was conservative in some of his views but progressive in others. For instance, he hired me as an executive sports editor of an all- male sports department back in the 80s. He, more than any other editor at The St. Petersburg Times took a chance hiring women and people of color. Unlike a lot of interviews I had, he simply asked, “ tell me about yourself.” I later recognized the brilliance in that question. It put people at ease and they then felt comfortable enough to open up. I will always be thankful for having him as my mentor, and for being a part of his passion for the news. My condolences to Denise and their family.
Jill Ross
Coworker
April 4, 2021
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