In memory of
José Mario Costa
August 10, 1935 -
January 18, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jose Mario Costa, a beloved father, grandfather, and husband who peacefully left this world on January 18, 2024, at the age of 88. Jose’s life began on August 10, 1935, in his hometown of Maxial Portugal, one of six kids to Ernesto and Felismina Carvalho Costa. During his youth he loved to ride his motorcycle, perform small town comedy skits and strut his stuff on the dance floor at local village dances. In 1960 he found his forever dance and life partner, Demecilia.
In 1968, Jose embarked on a new chapter in his life, immigrating to Canada in search of a better future for himself and his family. With determination and resilience, he found work in the construction industry, where he worked hard and contributed to the growth of the community including helping to build the CN Tower, leaving a lasting legacy in the city he called home. While he was grateful for the freedoms and opportunities of his adopted country, Jose loved returning to Portugal, to his hometown, to visit his friends and family members where he could reminisce of simpler times, and, on occasion, attend outdoor festivals in his hometown where he would once again wow the crowds by tearing up the dance floor with our mom.
Jose was a complex and reserved person who did not easily express vulnerability or affection. Instead, he instilled in us a strong work ethic, love of the ocean and the value of preserving one’s dignity in the face of obstacles. His hard days in construction and then later as he grew ill were tempered by quiet days at home enjoying our mom’s cooking, listening to music and watching soccer or hockey night in Canada. His true joy, however, came from his role as grandfather. With his grandchildren, our dad was able to let his guard down and took immense pride in watching them grow up into kind and gentle people.
We will miss his wicked “dad” humour, his frustrations with the Leafs, his collection of baseball hats, his joyful sharing of childhood memories, his serious tango skills, and his weakness for chocolate. Mostly, we will miss sharing our lives with him.
Jose will be deeply missed by his wife (Demecilia), daughters (Isabel and Olga), grandchildren (Daniel, Brandon and Sophia), sister (Dahlia), son-in laws (Carlos and David) and extended family, and friends. As we bid farewell to our dad, we find solace in the memories we shared with him and the hope he finds peace reunited with our baby brother who we never knew, but that he loved so much. May his soul find eternal peace.
