Frank Anthony Costa

Frank Anthony Costa, Sr. passed away on Thursday, the 13th of September 2012, at home while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on the 10th of November 1929, to Lee and Lucille Petronella Costa in Houston, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and also by his siblings, Nash, Johnny and sister Josephine, and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Maurine Smith Costa; sons and daughters-in law, Randy and Laura Costa, Frank Jr. and Michelle Costa, and Gary Costa; daughters and sons-in-law, Terri and Greg Flippen, Toni and Gary Jasek, and Tiffani and Richard Loxton; nine grandchildren, Stevi Rowell, Audrey Harton, Afton Costa, Frank III and Hayden Costa, Ryan and Randi Jasek, Reagan and Payton Loxton; and one great granddaughter; Maci Harton. Also surviving him are his sisters, Mary Noto, Marie Costa, Jean White; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1948, served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He graduated from The University of Houston in 1959 where he earned a B.S. degree in broadcasting. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, Alpha Epsilon Rho, and Alpha Delta Sigma Fraternities.

He then moved to Weslaco, Texas, where he met his wife Maurine. He worked for KRGV Radio-TV as a staff announcer filling the roles of disc jockey, TV commercial announcer and TV weatherman. He transferred to KTBC in Austin and then finally came home to Houston in 1962 hosting the “Friendly Frank Ford Show” at KTHT Demand Radio. For the next 17 years Frank pursued his natural talent for sales as an Account Executive. Eventually Frank retired in 1997 from KODA Sunny 99.1 after 18 years of service.

A proud member of The Sacred Heart Society of Little York, Frank was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a great friend to many. He was very proud of his family and made sure they came first. He taught his children family values, integrity and good work ethics. There was always room in the Costa home for one more at dinner time or holidays. Frank loved dancing and living life to the fullest. He taught his kids important life lessons and also enjoyed teaching them waterskiing, hunting, fishing and sports. He never missed a football game, band concert or school activity. He was bursting with spontaneity and had an outrageous sense of humor. His spirit of play made him a wonderful father. His family has many fond memories of Frank playing countless practical jokes on family and friends. Frank loved to surprise his wife with jewelry, flowers and love notes. Frank was at his best on Christmas mornings; he received such joy watching his family open their gifts. Frank lived a grand life full of love and joy. He left his family with a precious legacy of love and an enduring example of Catholic faith. He will be greatly missed and always held dear in the hearts of those who knew him best.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from two until five o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 16th of September, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where a recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at half-past four o’clock, led by The Sacred Heart Society of Little York.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 17th of September, at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, 10503 Westheimer Road in Houston, where the Rev. Brendan Aroh, C.S.Sp., is to serve as the celebrant.

Honored to serve as casket bearers during Monday’s services are Gary Jasek, Richard Loxton, Greg Flippen, Ryan Jasek, Trey Costa and Hayden Costa. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Mike Bua and Ben Oddo.

The Rite of Committal is to follow, via an escorted cortege, in the Stations of the Cross section of Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston, where Military Honors are to be rendered by the United States Navy.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Clyde Campbell