Geraldine R. Costa

Geraldine Rose Risley Costa, 76, of East Hartford, passed away Sunday, June 7th, 2015. She was born in Hartford and lived all her life in East Hartford. She graduated from Mt. Saint Joseph Academy, Class of 1956. She was a past President and Life Member of the American Legion Unit 77 of East Hartford. She was currently President and Treasurer of the Auxiliary Unit #77. She had been employed at Data Mail of Newington and Sage-Allen until their closing.

Gerry was an avid NY Yankees fan and never missed a game. Her living room was dedicated to the Yankees.

She was predeceased by her parents, Rose & Robert Risley. She leaves 4 daughters and one son; Clarissa & Al Kibbe of Somers, Colleen Costa of East Granby, Cathleen & Gregg Gusta of North Carolina, William and Lynn Costa of Glastonbury, and Cherlynn and Stephen Courchaine of Somers. She leaves 5 grandchildren; Michael Mulligan, Zachary Boehm, Tianna & Will Costa, and Benjamin Gusta. She also leaves two great-grandchildren Eva and Arlo Boehm. She leaves a sister Louise Landry of Coventry, and 3 brothers, R. William Risley of Coventry, John Risley of East Hartford, and Franklin Risley of Lebanon as well as many nieces, nephews and God children. In addition, Gerry leaves two special friends John & Betty.

Calling hours were held Wednesday, June 10th, from 6-8 p.m. at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Memorial Services were held Thursday, June 11th at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by burial services at Hillside Cemetery, East Hartford.

To visit Gerry’s online tribute and leave a message of condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com.