Thomas "Tom" Peter Costa

88, of Sugar Land, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 18, 2016 with family at his side. Born August 17, 1928 in New York City to Emily and Peter Costa he lived most of his life in New York, New York, Pittsburgh, PA., Walnut Creek, CA., and Sugar Land, Texas. Tom is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth, Susan, Margaret, his sons- in- law Robert and Anderson and his three grandchildren, Chad and his wife Justine, Elizabeth and Christopher as well as many friends both near and far. He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” and his parents Emily and Peter. Tom’s father Peter was killed in 1933 in the discharge of duty as a New York City police officer. Tom was a Veteran of the Air National Guard of New York and a long-time employee of United Air Lines. He went to work for United as an “office boy” in 1946. In 1961, he was transferred to Pittsburgh as a Budget Analyst. His final assignment was in San Francisco which began in 1970 and continued until his retirement in 1987. Tom was a proud charter member in the East Bay Diablos chapter of the Retired United Airlines Employees Association. Tom was a passionate globetrotter and traveled to many countries near and far. Happy to talk about his travels, he proudly displayed mementos of his trips. In his later years, Tom was unable to venture far but still enjoyed seeing air shows, watching documentaries and reading travel books. Tom was a people person with a smile on his face and a great love for Big Band music. He also enjoyed cooking, a good cup of coffee and chocolate chip cookies. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Elder Advisory Group, especially Sarah and Janet who provided hours of wisdom and support, also a thank you to Silverado Sugar Land Memory Care and Hospice for their loving care. Tom often said "Aloha” not goodbye. And so today It is not goodbye but “Aloha”. A memorial service will be held on January 7, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at The Settegast-Kopf Co. @ Sugar Creek.