Nicholas James Costa

Nicholas Costa, affectionately known as “Nicky J” to all who knew and loved him, passed away on July 20,2025 surrounded by family. Born on September 15, 1953, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to William and Elizabeth Costa, Nicholas was raised in Linden, NJ, where he graduated from Linden High School in 1971.

In 1974, Nicholas began a dedicated career with the City of Linden Department of Public Works. Through hard work and unwavering commitment, he rose to the position of supervisor and retired in 2009 after 35 years of distinguished service.

In 2002, Nicholas met the love of his life, Hires. They married on July 2, 2004, and together welcomed their greatest joy, daughter Giovanna Marie, in 2007. Nicholas was a devoted husband and father, and his family was the center of his world.

Known for his warm hospitality, Nicky J loved to cook and host gatherings that brought people together. He cherished weekends spent at his homes at the Jersey Shore, the Poconos, and most recently, Cape Coral, Florida—each place filled with laughter, love, country music and a good rum and coke. Family and friends will always cherish these unforgettable memories.

An avid outdoorsman, Nicholas loved hunting and, after relocating to Florida in 2021, rediscovered his passion for fishing. He had previously moved to Pennsylvania in 2009, continuing to embrace life’s adventures with his signature warmth and humor.

Nicholas leaves behind his loving wife Hires, his beloved daughter Giovanna, and a host of family and friends who will forever remember his generous spirit, infectious laugh and unwavering love.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral, FL 33991.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nicholas’s honor to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org