Theodore E. Decosta

Portsmouth, RI - Theodore E. DeCosta, 81, of 200 School House Lane, Portsmouth, RI, died Saturday, August 4, 2007, at home. He was the husband of Gilda DeCosta DeCosta Born in Portsmouth, RI on December 17, 1925, he was the son of the late James and Agnes DeCosta DeCosta.Mr. DeCosta worked for U.S. Steel?s American Bridge Co. as an iron worker building bridges all over the world, including the Newport Pell Bridge. In 1955, while working on the Sakonnet River Bridge, he saved the life of a co-worker. He was a WWII Army veteran serving in the 82nd Airborne Tank Battalion and received the Purple Heart in March of 1945 while serving in Europe.Mr. DeCosta?s was an avid golfer. His memberships included the Portsmouth Portuguese American Civic Club and life membership in the DAV of Washington, DC. Besides his wife he leaves his brother James DeCosta of Portsmouth, RI, and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, August 13, 2007, at 9:00am in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway, Newport, RI.Calling hours are respectfully omitted.Donations in his memory may be made to the Portsmouth Ambulance Fund, 2300 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871, or to the Vasco de Gama, Holy Ghost Society, Fenner Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.