Name: Celebration of Life for Matthew John Costa
Start: 2025-09-07T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Elk Grove High School Thundering Herd Football Stadium

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 18, 2025.

Matthew John Costa

May 27, 1981 - August 5, 2025

Matthew John Costa, lovingly known as Matt, was called to his eternal home on August 5, 2025. Born in Sonoma, California on May 27, 1981, and raised in Elk Grove, California, Matt touched countless lives with his warmth, humor, and selfless heart.

He was the beloved son of Christine Costa and Michael Costa, and a devoted husband to Katie Costa, his partner in life for over 18 years. Their greatest joy was their son, Tyler Michael Costa, whom Matt loved with all his heart.

Matt was a cherished brother to Michelle A. Esparza and brother-in-law Rick Esparza, and a loving uncle to Kayla R. Costa-whom he was like a father to-and Jon Pochop. He was a treasured son-in-law to Susan Stanton and to Paul "Kelly" and Nancy Stanton. He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Brian and Nicole Stanton, Michael Stanton, and Lori and Jonathon "JD" Taylor. He was a proud uncle to many, including Jimmy Norwood, Joshua, Megan and Ricky Esparza; Kiley, Lea, Ariana, Benjamin, Maverick Stanton, and Alyssa and Ella Taylor.

Matt was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Tulio and Lorraine Picchi, and John and Rose Costa.

Matt was a shining light in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was known for his quick wit, impeccable comedic timing, and unmatched ability to bring laughter into any room. His loyalty was steadfast, his love deep and unconditional. Whether it was his family, friends, players he coached, or anyone lucky enough to cross paths with him-Matt gave his heart completely.

As a coach, Matt didn't just teach the game-he shaped lives. His influence extended far beyond the football field, instilling confidence, discipline, and kindness in every player he mentored. While he achieved much in life and career, Matt would define his legacy by the love he had for his wife, his son, his family, and the meaningful relationships he nurtured.

Though his physical presence is no longer with us, Matt's spirit will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew him. May we honor his legacy by living with the same love, compassion, and humor that he so generously shared.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Elk Grove High School Thundering Herd Football Stadium - 9800 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA 95624.

The family welcomes informal attire and respectfully requests that guests refrain from alcoholic and tobacco products while on the high school campus. #Brotherherd

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Recent Activity

Yesterday

John Monday posted to the memorial.

August 18, 2025

Debby Bay posted to the memorial.

August 18, 2025

Greg Maita posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

John Monday

Yesterday

Such a joy and privilege to have been a part of this young man´s´ life. While we were mentoring him, he was mentoring us to be better members of humanity. Peace brother. You made a profound difference to this troubled world and your loving spirit and works will be ever cherished and never forgotten.

Debby Bay

August 18, 2025

I worked with Matt for about 14 years. We would often take first nreak together, he'd get a soda while I got a mocha. Then we would buy some scratchers and play them together. He could always tell when life was getting me down and would give me a big bear hug and all my worries melted away. During the pandemic my husband was battling cancer and I was having an especially hard time. One day I went into the office and Matt left a post-it note on my phone. Made my day. He had such a genuine love of life and those around him. He loved Katie and Tyler to the moon and back. Very proud of both of them. He loved his puppy too. We would share pictures our fur babies all the time.
I can't believe he is gone from this Earthly plain but I know he is watching over a lot of people. How could you not love him.
Katie and Tyler will always be in my heart, prayers, and thoughts. Same to all who knew him.
Miss ya more than you know Matty Matt.

Greg Maita

August 18, 2025

My life has taken me to another part of the country but Elk Grove will always be etched in my heart and it´s because of men like Matt. The bigger than life joy he brought into any room was contagious to all. A chance, even fleeting, encounter with Matt could change your entire mood for a week. He was the walking definition of love in all the time I spent with him. He filled the world with more joy in his short life than most could fill in many lifetimes. He´ll be missed but not forgotten.

Carlo Tandoc

August 18, 2025

Miss you brother. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and think of the moments we shared. You'll always be with me in spirit. Love You Matt.

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John L Zehnder Jr

August 18, 2025

Hard to believe you're gone. Will always be a shining light in my memories. RIP Matt! See you in the next life with all good Catholics!

jz

Chris Costa

August 18, 2025

Matthew John Costa
You were my heart, now so inconsolably broken
You were my lasting joy
You were my forever pride
You were my eternal love
You were my hero
You were my pain (but not often)
You were my friend
You were my defender
You were my loyal protector
You were my teacher
You were my student
You were my laughter
You were my silly
You were my joyful
You were my wisdom
You were my hugs
You were my rock
You were my "I love you mama"

You were Katie and Tyler´s loving husband and pride-filled dad
You were Mike´s pride, joy and best friend
You were Michelle´s best friend, confidant, protector and biggest supporter
You were Kayla´s substitute dad , comedian, confidante, and protective loving uncle to Kayla and Jon
You were Rick and Josh´s new family and friend
You were your aunts, uncles and cousins beloved caring relative
You were Papa T, Nona, Grandma Rose and Papa John´s loving grandson
You were your lifelong friends best friend and supporter and truly loved all your Elk Grove second families !
You were an admired and caring coach
You were mine and I will be lost without you and everyone who´s lives you touched will never forget you and some lives will never be the same
You will remain in my heart and soul until we meet again.
See you in my dreams my dear loving,funny, loyal, generous and caring sonlove you eternally my Matthew and I thank God for the gift of you

Brian Stanton

August 18, 2025

Matt, we love you and miss you so much. Thank you for being such a great husband to Katie, father to Tyler, uncle to our children and brother to me. We will love and take care of Katie and Ty. I´m going to miss sitting around the campfire listening to you and Mikey play guess the song, corn hole trash talk and your great hugs. You had incredible wisdom, a gift for saying the right thing at the right time. Thank you for being so encouraging, I still listen to your voicemails. I will never forget the last hug we shared in Mikey´s kitchen and the sweet words you shared with me. I want to be more like that, and will work on that until we see each other again. B