Constance COSTA

COSTA, Constance "Dolly" 92, passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family last Friday evening. An Ybor City native, she attended OLPH High School, was an All-State Champion Women's Basketball Guard, a beauty, she was voted most popular by her classmates in 1947. Born first child, and apple of her parent's eye, Dolly was the daughter of Joseph O. Costa, a self-educated entrepreneur, and Mary Spoto Costa, a woman of extraordinary strength, love, and character. At 17, Dolly became an Executive at Costa Broom Works, Inc. (CBW), the business her Dad created. Working with her father until his early death at age 51, Dolly at age 28 was joined by her brother, Frank J. Costa at age 22 and attending the University of Florida, in continuing and growing the family business. They were a mighty pair together, expanding their Tampa business as far North as Virginia, as far west as Texas, and as far South as throughout the Caribbean. The business was founded when Dolly was born, just three weeks before the Stock Market Crash of 1929, and The Great Depression. Dolly co-led the business from 1957 until 2006, and was nationally recognized as a woman business leader receiving an award in Las Vegas in the early 70s. Dolly had many suitors, but the love of her life was her fiance, Anthony; unfortunately, their future together was not meant to be. She wanted seven children and had picked all their names. She had a fur-kid, Heidi, and many nephews and a niece to nurture. Dolly had many interests, fashion design, and world travel, but those dreams too were set aside to help support her family in which she poured her entire being. Dolly always had a twinkle in her eye, and a warm loving smile of admiration and appreciation that made you feel like she knew a secret that only you and she shared. A quick wit, infectious laugh, intuitive, she loved laughter and was an unstoppable force of nature and creativity. Most of all, she was selfless, kind, gentle, generous, patient, and loving. Truly one of the last of the Greatest Generation. She always said that she was going to be reincarnated to come back and live her life again the way she wanted. Divine Order was her daily prayer. She is survived by her brother, Frank (Sonia) Costa; her nephews, Joseph Costa, Dr. Christopher (Nadiesda) Costa, Frank "Tad" Costa, Matthew Costa JD; niece, Laura (James) Talley; grandnephews and nieces, Alyssa (James) Ortiz, Joshua Costa, James Talley, IV (Erika), Haven Talley, Landry Talley and their children as well as her many cousins The Spotos, Chilluras, Bustos, Bradys, and Russos. She would also like to recognize the many employees of CBW who worked alongside her over the years. A wake will be held on Monday evening, May 23, 2022 from 5-7 pm with Vigil Service and Rosary at 5 pm at Blount Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 24 at 10 am, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida. Interment will follow at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Christ the King Catholic Church in her memory. On-line condolences can be given to the family at www.blountcurrymacdill.com. Blount & Curry Funeral Home