Charles DeCosa

I always wished I could spend time with Mr. DeCosa and you and express how much I appreciate your presence in our lives. When I think about the good parts of my childhood, I remember you and Mr. DeCosa. When I think about people who were kind to my family, I always think of you and Mr. DeCosa. And I know we were close to your hearts. Mr. DeCosa kept all the letters I’ve written to you as proof of that. I will always remember Mr. DeCosa as a handy, skilled, kind and generous man. I know that...

Mr. (and Mrs.) DeCosa are family. They knew the Joseph kids before we were born. Some random memories I have of Mr. DeCosa are: The love and kindness shown to our multiracial family whether out in public or in our homes, in a town that frowned upon us. All the “coffees” that he and my father had, which felt like they were daily for most of my childhood. His pickup trucks (the red one, the yellow one, maybe a blue one). All the rides home when he saw me walking on Rte 7, the rides up our...

Where to begin? I don't know, except to say that he loved me and always showed me love; he believed in me and supported me and helped me more times than I can count. He was always one of my biggest fans - no matter the artistic or academic endeavor. Every life-event that occurred, he was present and loving! He had a fantastic sense of humor and was always cracking jokes! He was always there for my parents - my family. He made life in little old Gaylordsville more possible! I'm...