James T. Decosta

James T. DeCosta, 82, of Portsmouth died peacefully on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at his home after a long illness. Born in Newport, he was the son of the late James and Agnes DeCosta. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol (Kent) DeCosta, his daughter Kathleen DeCosta of Newport, son James M. and his wife Lisa M. DeCosta of Portsmouth, and his son Jay K. DeCosta and his wife Melissa DeCosta of Warren, RI. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Gwenyth May DeCosta, Chloe Autumn DeCosta and Sadie Belle DeCosta, his brother-in-law Michael Kent and his wife Maureen as well as several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his brother Theodore and his wife Gilda DeCosta. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Kathleen's Fiance, Mark MecklenbergAfter graduating from Rogers High School in 1954, he served in the United States Navy active and reserve for a period of 8 years. A career in ironworking for local 37 out of E. Providence involved him in construction of many bridges and buildings throughout the East Coast, until his retirement in the early spring of 1996.His community involvement included membership in the Portsmouth Lions Club (including a term as King Lion), a member of the Portsmouth Lower Glen Farm Preservation Committee, a little league baseball coach (Grand Central), a basketball coach for the St. Barnabas CYO and procession chairman of the St. Barnabas Feast for 10 years.Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Jun 14, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00PM in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth.His funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 9:00AM, from the funeral home with a a Mass of Christin Burial at 10:00AM in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth.Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Portsmouth Lions Club, PO Box 657, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or to the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871. Visitation JUN 14. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service JUN 15. 10:00 AM St. Barnabas Catholic Church 1697 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US