Fall River native and veteran who led a remarkable life and gave decades of service to the community has died

OBITUARY

Ronald E. “Ron” “Poppy” Costa
January 24, 1934 – May 18, 2026
Age 92

Ronald E. “Ron” “Poppy” Costa of Westport, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 24, 1934, Ron was the beloved son of the late Irene (O’Connor) Costa and Manuel Costa. A proud graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River, Ron dedicated his life to service, first to his country, then to his community, and always to his family.

Before entering the United States Air Force, he attended Wentworth Institute of Technology. During his time stationed in Japan in the 1960s, he continued his education at Sophia University. Years later, in the 1980s, he returned to school and earned his college degree from Bristol Community College, a reflection of his lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth.

In 1959, Ron married the love of his life, Roberta (D’Adamo) Costa, on September 12. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, faith, and family. Married for 66 years, Ron and Roberta raised four children and created a close-knit family. Their first two children were born in the United States, while their younger two were born during their time stationed in Japan. Ron often said one of his greatest blessings was that his children all lived close by, worked nearby, and spoke every day.

Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned 22 years before retiring in 1975. He proudly served in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, with assignments at Tachikawa Air Base in Tokyo, Otis Air Force Base, Hanscom Air Force Base, Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, and the United States Air Force Academy.

His work included electronics repair, bombsight repair, aircraft maintenance support, and transportation coordination. While stationed at the United States Air Force Academy, Ron was responsible for coordinating transportation for presidential arrivals. In 1969, during Cadet Graduation ceremonies, when President Nixon delivered the commencement address, Ron was in charge of coordinating transportation for the President’s visit, a responsibility he carried out with great pride. During his years of service, he also had the opportunity to see Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Nixon, as well as Vice President Humphrey, during visits to the bases where he was stationed.

One of his favorite memories was being stationed in Japan during his first tour, where he proudly climbed Mount Fuji, an experience he often spoke about throughout his life. Another unforgettable memory was in 1964, when Bob Hope’s famous Christmas Show for veterans came to Tokyo. After finishing a 12-hour shift, Ron walked over hoping to catch a glimpse of the performance. When ambulances arrived carrying wounded soldiers, he helped wheel veterans in on stretchers and wheelchairs, and in return, was allowed inside to witness the unforgettable show. It remained one of his fondest memories.

After retiring from the Air Force, Ron began his second career in public service as the Veterans Agent and later Director for the Town of Westport, where he served for 29 years before retiring in 2011. He also served for many years as Westport’s elected Commissioner of Trust Funds, serving on the Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds, a role that reflected the trust and respect the community placed in him.

As Veterans Agent and Director, he wore many hats and became the trusted person veterans turned to for guidance. From his office in Town Hall, he helped generations of veterans navigate benefits, housing, medical care, burial services, and state resources, always treating each person with dignity and compassion. He worked closely with state officials on behalf of veterans and their families, ensuring they received the support and benefits they had earned through service. His dedication to veterans was not simply a job, it was his life’s calling.

Ron also served as Veterans Graves Officer, carefully coordinating Memorial Day ceremonies each year and ensuring local veterans were honored. He took great pride in preserving these traditions for the community. In 1995-1996, he was honored as Veteran of the Year, a recognition that reflected his extraordinary dedication to veterans and public service.

Ron was deeply involved in countless veteran organizations throughout his life, not only as a member, but always serving in leadership roles and holding office. He was a proud member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, a past District 9 DAV Commander, and served faithfully in numerous veterans’ organizations across Bristol County and beyond.

He also served on the Executive Board of Citizens for Citizens (CFC), held a seat on the Westport Housing Authority, and served on many town committees throughout his life. Ron was instrumental in the effort to rename the bridge over the Westport River as the Norman Fontaine Bridge, honoring a young Westport man who gave his life in Vietnam. He also worked closely with the Zambelli family each year to help plan the beloved Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Horseneck Beach, a tradition he took great pride in bringing to the community.

Ron was recently honored alongside his beloved wife, Roberta, for his decades of public service dating back to 1953, a recognition that reflected the lasting impact he made on so many lives.

Though he accomplished so much and served so many, Ron never boasted. He was a humble man whose quiet strength, steady presence, and unwavering commitment to helping others defined his life far more than any title ever could.

Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta Costa; his children, Vicki Trial and her husband Roland, Steven Costa, Michael Costa, and Kathleen Lima and her husband Freddy.

He was the proud grandfather “Poppy” of Tara Atwood-Saja and her husband Will Saja, Joshua Costa and his wife Noemi Costa, David Trial, Monica Trial-Pannoni and her husband Bill Pannoni, and Katie Lima, as well as several cherished great-grandchildren.

Ron loved his family deeply and treasured the closeness they shared. He was proud of the life he and Roberta built and the values they passed on.

He will be remembered for his strength, his unwavering sense of duty, his deep devotion to veterans, and the love he had for his family. His life was one of service, humility, and commitment to helping others.

His legacy lives on in the many veterans he helped, the family he adored, and the community he served so faithfully.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services and burial will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you honor Ron’s memory by performing a good deed for someone in need. Donations may also be made in his memory to the Veterans Association of Bristol County, which supports veterans and their families throughout the community, or to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

The family appreciates your love, prayers, and support during this time.