"With Honor and Distinction 1972-1974, I served under then Colonel Costa at the 1st (Airborne) Brigade, HHQ, 8th Infantry Division. He was the commanding officer of the Brigade along with Executive Officer LTC Paul E Raetz, and Adjutant Major Arne Andersen. I was the PSNCO in S-1 and of course I became relatively close to the Colonel, since I worked with him on a daily basis in the same offices. He was a kind, frizzy haired man who I respected and admired. I still have the picture of him pinning on my ARCOM Medal the month that I was leaving his command in August of 1974. I am sure I will meet up with him again in heaven and I want to thank him for influencing my life in a positive manner. I will miss you Sir."
In loving memory of
John Joseph Costa
May 7, 1925 - August 6, 2013
Costa, John Joseph, BG (Ret) John Joseph Costa passed away peacefully on August 6, 2013 in Cumming, GA and was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Teddy) Costa on April 6, 2012. John enjoyed a long and distinguished military career as an Infantry officer, and retired in 1989 from West Point as a Brigadier General following a ten-year assignment as permanent professor and Head of the Foreign Language Department. John and Teddy actively enjoyed the next 20 years living and working in Rhinebeck NY before health issues required them to relocate to Canton, Georgia to be closer to family. Survivors include their five children Veronica Costa, Christopher Costa, Andrew Costa, Lisa Barden, and John Costa, their respective spouses, fourteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren; siblings Pat, Peggy, Judy, Kathy, their spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews and their respective children; John and Teddy were also long-time guardians of Mary Maltzoff of Stockbridge, MA. John was predeceased by his parents, his wife Teddy, and his brothers Lou and Chuck. John was born 7 May 1925 in Detroit, MI where he graduated high school in 1942. In 1943 he volunteered for Air Cadet Training, was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1944, and served in WWII in the Army Air Corps until 1945. Following the war John resigned his commission in order to join the Corps of Cadets at West Point, graduating in June 1949 and being commissioned a second time as an officer in the Infantry. He then embarked on a distinguished military career which included leadership and command positions from platoon through brigade, as well as service in high-level staff assignments in many locations around the world. His numerous awards and citations include the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star. Upon his retirement from West Point in 1989 John had the distinction of being the last WWII veteran still on active duty in the Army. While on assignment in Berlin, Germany in the early 1950's he met the former Elizabeth Butler Schmertz, known by all as "Teddy", and after their courtship they were married on 25 May 1954 in California, the start of 57 rich and exciting years together. During this time they raised five children, lived and traveled worldwide, and worked and volunteered in a wide and impressive variety of endeavors, making a deep and lasting impression on all whose lives they touched. Following his retirement in 1989 John and Teddy moved to Rhinebeck NY where he continued his efforts to be of service to his community for the next two decades. John was a gifted linguist and worked for six years for the Government using his Russian language skills. He was later elected as Village Trustee of Rhinebeck in 1994 and 1996, and next served as a five-term mayor from 1997 through 2005. John's efforts and initiatives as mayor led to many significant accomplishments throughout the community ranging from infrastructure improvements to historical restoration projects. His tenure in Rhinebeck was marked by active volunteer participation with the American Legion Post 429, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Northern Dutchess Hospital, the Rhinebeck Rotary Club, an active parishioner of the Good Shepherd Catholic community, Ferncliff Nursing Home, and the Rhinebeck Choral Club. No matter where they lived around the world, John and Teddy were always the consummate host and hostess, with their home constantly open to family, friends, and new acquaintances alike, fostering and maintaining lifelong relationships along the way. John will long be remembered for his honorable and selfless service to his country, his extensive military accomplishments, his strong religious convictions, his active participation in the Catholic Church, his dedication to always leading by example, his endless devotion to his family, his tireless quest to help those in need and those less fortunate, his and Teddy's shared love of opera and the Met, and last but certainly not least by his unwavering support of the Detroit Tigers. John Costa was a soldier, a loving husband and father, a teacher, and leader, and above all else a gentleman and man of integrity. A funeral Mass for John and Teddy will be held at 10AM on Monday, Oct 28, 2013 at the Catholic Chapel at the US Military Academy at West Point, NY followed by burial at the West Point Cemetery with full military honors. Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Requiescat in pace, Mr. Dodson. Godspeed."
"COL Costa was the head of the Department of Foreign Languages when I was a cadet. As Russian concentrator I spent a lot of time above Washington Hall and interacted with COL Costa on many occasions. He was always a cheerful, supporting engaging leader. Grip Hands Sir!"
"To Lisa and family - we were so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We were honored to assist with his care while he was at your home. We remember him as a kind, softspoken and gentle man that always welcomed us with a smile. I was always impressed about how much he absolutely addored your mother. Blessings to you all - you are in our prayers. Lisa Machado Visiting Angels"
"Remembering the "Costa's'My name is Debra Thomas and I am a caregiver at The Oaks at Post Road in Cumming, GA. That is where I came to know both Teddy and John. They were both extroadinary people and they both enriched my life the short time that I knew them both. Teddy took a little time warming up to her, but once you passed the exterior barrier you were in like Flynn. I sat in her room many nights and she talked about her life and her kids. Teddy had a twinkle in eyes when she would tell me of all the places they had been and the charmed life that they led. Teddy also was hilarious, just the way that she could word sentences about something she disliked was so funny. Also she was very ticklish on her feet, she would say "If you touch my feet, your'e taking your life in your own hands", "I'll probably slug you". I miss her still and will always remember her as she was, stern but very loving. With John I spent a lot of time with him after Teddy had passed, he loved her so much and would often call out for her and asking her to come to him. I would always try to calm him and tell him that he would be with her again one day. John Costa was a very sweet man with an understanding spirit, if he thought he had done anything inappropriate he would apologize immediately. The one story that will stay with me about John is about a fire drill. Occasionally at the Oaks we would have random drills, the first time that I was working directly with John we had a fire drill. He was resting comfortably in his room and everyone who knew John understood that his room was his sanctuary. John to say the least was not happy with the deafening bells ringing and he wasn't helping me with his evacuation. My mind sprang into action and I stood right in front of him and said General, I'm trying to save your life, he sprang up and saluted me sat dowwn in the wheelchair and said "Carry on ". I was tickled and relieved at the same time, knowing if there ever was a real emergency that would be a tactic I could use. The last thing that I will conclude with is this, John and Teddy Costa were incredible people and had a vast knowledge of everything. My only regret is that I could have known them longer than the short time I had with them. The most important things in both their lives were Family, they lovved all of you so much and thank you for sharing them with me, even if it was for a short time."
"We will always remember them. they were part of our lives for 20 years with the book club, bridge, politics and there sweet dog susie. Our sympathy to all the family."
"My condolences and prayers for peace to Ronnie and the entire family. Your father's life exemplified the best values and strengths of America at its pinnacle. You were richly blessed to have him as a father; may you find peace knowing he is in the presence of our Father in Heaven."
""