Obituary of Angelo Costa

Angelo Costa age 98 of Glenolden passed away peacefully on June 23, 2014 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Angelo Costa was born September 12, 1916 in Clarksburg, West Virginia where he lived with his mother, father and seven siblings until joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. For room and board and twenty-one dollars a month (eighteen of which had to be sent home to the family) the Corps provided hard, steady work for a year in Depression era rural America completing many conservation projects on public lands and forests. Returning to Clarksburg, the only employment he found available was in the coal mines, which he tried, but decided that it wasn't for him. Angelo joined the United States Navy and found his vocation. He was a small ship sailor and loved his time on Destroyers. He also served on mine sweepers, oilers, ammunition ships, research ships and, finally, a heavy cruiser. Angelo fought in World War II and the Korean Conflict, served aboard the USS Implicit (AM 246), one of the Navy ships that provided mine sweeping and security at the Yalta Conference. Later, Angelo served aboard the USS San Pablo (AGS 30), an oceanographic research ship, from 1949 to 1953. In 1958, Angelo reported aboard the USS Albany (CA 123) serving as the ship's Chief Boatswain under then Captain John McCain II. He retired from active duty in June, 1958, with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (W-4), one of only four CWO-4 Boatswains in the U.S. Navy. Mister Costa was awarded the Korean Service, Defense Service WW II, American Defense, European Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, and Good Conduct medals during his career. Following his Naval service, Angelo worked for Pinkerton's from 1958 until 1966 when he returned to the Navy as a civilian at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. In 1985, Mister Costa retired from the shipyard as Superintendent of Shipyard Operations. His son, Pat, and grandson Michael, followed Angelo's example joining the Navy and both became Naval Officers and pilots. His youngest grandson, Nicholas, continues the tradition as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy beginning this summer. Survivors: Beloved husband of 67 years of Dora Costa. Loving father of Pat (Dolly Blanda) Costa, Marcia (John) DiDonato, Carolann Costa and John Costa. Cherished grandfather of Maria (Anthony) Ippolito, Daniel, Michael, and Nicholas. Great grandfather of John Angelo. Dear brother of Lucy (Henry) Alvarez. Funeral Mass: 11am, Saturday at St George Church, Lamont Avenue, Glenolden, PA. 19036. Viewing: 6 - 8pm Friday at McCausland Garrity Marchesani Funeral Home. 343 S. Chester Pike Glenolden, PA. 19036 and 9:00 - 10:45am at St. George Church. Burial: SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Navy-Marine Relief Society, Development Office - 875 N. Randolph St. Suite 225, Arlington, VA. 22203 would be appreciated. Online donations can be made at www.nmcrs.org Condolences: www.mcgfh.com