William F. Decosta

Tampa, FL - William Francis DeCosta, 75, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Tuesday, June 22, 2010.Born in Newport, RI on May 21, 1935, he was the son of the late Antone and Georgianna Pacheco DeCosta.Bill DeCosta served faithfully and honorably with the United States Air Force, he received three commendation medals. His meritorious services; as an Non Commissioned Officer in Charge, 5th Bombardment Wing; Travis Air Force Base, California; Supervisor, Jet Engine Field Maintenance, 8th Field Maintenance Squadron, Ubon Airfield, Thailand; and his commendable service as Quality Control Inspector, 43rd, Tactical Fighter Squadron, as Non Commissioned Officer in Charge, First Tactical Fighter Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. The distinguished accomplishments of Sergeant DeCosta reflect credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force. He retired after 20 years, service including a tour in VietnamBilly was a 1954 graduate of Rogers High School, Newport, where he was notorious for his athletic ability and achievements. He was devoted as an Official and Umpire and lifetime member for the West Coast Officials Association in Tampa, FL for over 30 years. Bill officiated and Umpired Baseball, Basketball and Football, which included little league to college level. He was President of the association for over 20 years and the Official Booking Commissioner for over 30 years. He umpired numerous State Championship games in High School Baseball and High School Softball. Bill was honorably selected to Officate the Baseball College World Series. For several yeas he also served as the on-field time keeper for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was also a member of the Vasco da Gama.His handyman work was known throughout South Tampa for his honesty and integrity. He could build and fix anything. His ongoing giving continued even during his most difficult days. Bill leaves behind his wife, Diane Lawton; three sons, William Francis DeCosta II, Brian Walter DeCosta and his wife Sophia and Robert Wayne DeCosta all of Tampa, FL, his daughters Bethany DeCosta Davis and her husband Mike of Atlanta, GA and Bonita Marie DeCosta of Tampa; the childrens mother, Barbara Baer; two brothers, Edmond DeCosta and Joseph DeCosta, both of Newport, RI, his sister, Gilda DeCosta of Portsmouth, RI, his grandchildren Nicholas DeCosta, Jennifer DeCosta, Elizabeth DeCosta, Jessica Davis, three great-grandchildren, Joshua DeCosta, Araya Stearns Carson Stearns well as his two step-children, Corrie E. Goodwin and husband EO2 William P. Goodwin, US Navy, and D. Brent Prizer. He was the brother of the late Jesse DeCosta, Antone DeCosta, Alice Massed and Mary Dias and the adopted father of Brittney DeCosta. Bill will be remembered as devoted to his country and family and his legacy will live on. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, from 5-8 in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at 8:00 am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am in Jesus Savior Church, Broadway and Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial with military honors will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vasco Da Gama Holy Ghost Society, Fenner Avenue, Newport, RI 02840