2019, in Middletown, NY at ORMC. He was 75.
Leo was born to the late Leo G. Costa and Flo Costa nee Doucet. He was born January 10,
1944 in Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in Roslindale, MA until his family moved to
Rockland County, NY in the 1960’s.
Leo devotedly served the Suffern Police Department for 40 years and held various ranks
including: patrolman, detective, detective sergeant, acting chief, and finally retiring as a
lieutenant. He also proudly served on a task force for the DEA for several years.
Throughout his life, he touched and helped countless people in his career and personally:
colleagues, friends, family, and even acquaintances. Upon his passing, everyone has
expressed how much they will miss Leo’s sense of humor, generosity, unselfishness, and big
heart. Many have remarked, “There has never been, nor will there ever be another Leo Costa.”
Nobody loved family more than Leo; not only did he adore the family he was born into, but Leo
cherished the family he helped raise. Leo married Lillian Jean, a beautiful mother with seven
children; together, Leo and Lilli had one more child. Not only was he never daunted by the
number of kids he would help raise, but Leo loved all of them equally. While he always
remained respectful of their biological father, he was hurt when someone would refer to them as
his stepchildren. In addition to his eight children, Leo also helped raise two of his
granddaughters alongside his youngest son. Leo was very proud of his Italian upbringing and
his many talented family members in the music industry. Leo recorded versions of the recipes
for the meals he loved growing up. He did this so they could be passed down for many
generations to enjoy.
Leo was predeceased by his wife, Lillian Jean Costa, three brothers: Gaetano (Guy), Stanley
and John Costa and two sons: Kevin and Richard W. Walsh, as well as, great granddaughter,
Brooke S. Piermont. Survivors include his beloved children: Sharon M. Palmer, Brian M. Walsh,
Lauren J. Walsh, Dr. Carla L. Walsh, Christine D. Bressler and Lea G. Speake. Leo is also
survived by his much-adored grandchildren: Camille, Tammy, Kevin, Kyle, Brian, Gina, Briana,
Lindsay, Matthew, Cailyn, Cassidy, Zachary, Nicolas, Jason, Rachel, Grace, Lilli, and Leo, and
three great grandchildren: Madi, Steven and Carly.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Wanamaker &
Carlough Funeral Home in Suffern, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in Suffern, NY.
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