Deacon Joseph J. Costa

Rev. Mr. Joseph J. Costa P.H.D ., 80, Frackville, went peacefully to be with God on the evening of Wednesday March 13, 2013, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 31, 1932 in Frackville, he was a son of the late Joseph and Rose "Griscavage" Costa.

Deacon Joe attended the Frackville schools and graduated in 1950 from the former Frackville High school, where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a weapons and marksmanship instructor from 1952 to 1956 at Sampson AFB, Geneva, NY and Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX. He was a member of the 3650 Instructor Squadron, serving with distinction during the Korean Conflict.

After serving in the Air Force, he completed a B.S. Degree from Bloomsburg State College in 1960; Library Certification from Kutztown State College, 1962; Master's Degree (MSLS) from Villanova University, 1966; Master's Degree as a reading specialist (M.Ed.) at Kutztown, 1970; Secondary Principal Certificate and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, Lehigh University, 1974; and a PHD in Education Administration, Columbia University, 1979.

Deacon Joe was ordained into the Diaconate by Bishop Joseph McShea in October, 1982. He served as a Deacon at St. Joseph's, Frackville; Our Lady of Siluva, Maizeville; St. Ann's, Frackville; Annunciation BVM, Frackville; and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Mahanoy City, from where he recently retired.

His professional teaching experience included Nativity BVM (coached football and basketball); Kulpmont HS (coached football and basketball); Frackville HS (coached football, basketball and baseball); Penn State University-Schuylkill Campus (Head Librarian-Director of Library); Shenandoah Valley Jr/Sr HS (Principal) and St. Clair Catholic Elementary School (Principal).

Deacon Joe authored the following books; Child Abuse and Neglect: Legislation Reporting and Prevention, 1978; A directory of Library Instruction Programs in Pennsylvania, 1980; Women Abuse: Legislation and Prevention, 1984, reprint 1986.

Deacon Joe was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Frackville. He was a member of the Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus, Schuylkill Assembly, Pottsville, (He held all offices and was the Faithful Scribe for 8 years), At the PA State level, he served as its Treasurer and Church Director. The Rev. James A. Hogan Council 2580 of Frackville, (Held all offices and was the Financial Secretary for 14 years). He was a member of the Holy Name Society, Men of the Sacred Heart Association, American Legion Post 398 of Frackville, and a C.C.D. teacher for over 20 years in the catholic school.

Deacon Joe was a member of the first undefeated football team while attending Bloomsburg State College. He served as a Cub Scout Leader (Webelos), served on the Frackville Town Council, coached CYO Basketball, Little League Baseball and Midget Football. He was also active as a PIAA Official (40 years in Football, Basketball, 25 years in Baseball, Softball and the first in Volleyball and Track and Field). Served as assignor of varsity football, jv football, softball, and baseball for 10 years and assignor of the referees for Schuylkill County football for 10 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Dolores "Costa" Krolick.

Deacon Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, the former Marie Pribish; son Joseph and his wife Nancy Costa, parents of grandchildren Rebecca and Joseph of Frackville; son John and his wife Marie Costa of New Boston; daughter Anita wife of Pablo Adam, parents of grandchildren Andrew and Christopher of Mechanicsburg; and son Andrew and his wife Kristi Costa, Bloomsburg, parents of grandchildren Alyssa, Romen and twin grandsons Landon and Noah.

Con-celebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday in Blessed Theresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, Mahanoy City, with Rev. Kevin Gallagher, pastor, as the main celebrant. Interment with full military honors will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Englewood, Frackville. Friends may call at the church on Sunday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. and again on Monday morning from 10 a.m. until time of mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions, in Deacon Joe's name, be made to Knights of Columbus, Fr. James A. Hogan Council # 2580, Education Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box # 366, Frackville, PA 17931