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Joseph Machado Costa
1926 - 2025
BORN
1926
DIED
2025
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Joseph Costa Obituary
December 19, 1926 - August 4, 2025
Modesto, California - Joseph M. Costa, 98, passed away peacefully on August 4 in Oakdale.
Born in Santa Clara to John and Mary Costa, Joe served in the U.S. Army as a medic from 1945 to 1947 in WWII. On a blind date in 1949, Joe met the love of his life, Joyce Gilstrap. They were married two years later, beginning a union that lasted 73 years. They made a home and grew their family as Joe worked as a manager and dairy herdsman in the Newman/Gustine area until his retirement in 1991.
Joe was a man of quiet strength, reserved in large groups but warm and funny among loved ones. He found joy in motorcycles, traveling, crabbing in Oregon, and sharing belly laughs with family. He loved big holiday feasts, red wine, and singing and whistling along to Jim Reeves. His humor and gentle spirit left an impression on all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce; daughter Patty (Rick) Wall and son Gregg Costa; sisters Theresa Pereira and Cecelia Brazil; grandchildren Coleen Munoz, Kelly Tabor, Katherine Tabor, Pamela Costa, Brittney Rodrigues, Kevin Costa, and Katy Costa; and two great-grandchildren.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his son Bryan Costa; and his siblings John, Frank, George, Florinda, and Margaret. He was laid to rest at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella.
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Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries
Alan Cozby
Yesterday
My sincere condolences to Joyce , Patty and the family. My dad , Charles Cozby was a WWII Veteran too and served in Korea as a medic along with Joe. Dad passed away in 2013 and now they are both in Gods loving hands in Heaven. I´m so glad they did get to enjoy each other´s company on a couple of occasions prior to my dad´s passing. It brought joy to me to witness their forever friendship. God Bless your family, Alan Cozby
Coleen Munoz
Yesterday
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