David Andrew Costa, age 77, of Swansea, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2025. He was the loving husband of Judith A. (Menard) Costa, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage rooted in family, faith, and service.
Born in Fall River, David was the son of the late Joseph Costa and Mary Isabell (Travers) Hynson. He spent his early years in Bristol, RI, before settling in Swansea in 1973, where he built a home filled with love and learning.
A lifelong educator, David dedicated over four decades to the growth and well-being of children. He earned his undergraduate degree from Providence College, a master’s from Rhode Island College, and his Doctorate from Boston University. His career began in the classroom as a teacher in Bristol, but his passion for guiding young lives soon led him into leadership roles as principal and assistant superintendent in East Greenwich, and as superintendent of the Foster-Gloucester Regional School District. David continued his commitment to education, serving as principal in the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District until retiring in 2008. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students, teachers, and families whose lives he touched with compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.
David’s devotion to young people extended beyond the school walls. He volunteered with the Cub Scouts of America when his son was a scout and remained active with organizations such as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the Rhode Island Principals’ Association. In retirement, he gave his time to Hope Hospice Care of Providence, offering comfort and companionship to the homebound.
A man of deep faith, David was a longtime parishioner at the former Our Lady of Fatima Church in Swansea where he served as a lector. Later as a member of St. Mary’s on Broadway in Providence, he served on the Pastoral Council and as a lector. David was always attentive to the needs of nursing home residents, bringing them the Eucharist on a weekly basis.
David found joy in traveling, walking on the beach, swimming, cooking, reading, tending to his beautifully landscaped yard, and walking his dog Theo. He was a loyal fan of Providence College Friars basketball—cheering enthusiastically and critiquing passionately—and found his greatest pride and happiness in his role as “Vô,” to his cherished grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Judy, David is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Roy and her husband Daniel of Sharon, MA; his son, Andrew Costa and his wife Karen of Gardner, MA; and his beloved grandchildren: Olivia, Gabby, and Fred. He also leaves behind his siblings: Joanne Donahue and her husband Paul of Bristol, Lawrence Hynson and his wife Gail of Portsmouth, Laurie Toledo and her husband Paul of Bristol, and William Hynson of Portsmouth, along with many nieces and nephews.
His visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home,615 Main St., Warren, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Mary of the Bay Parish, 645 Main Street in Warren. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hope Health Hospice (https://www.hopehealthco.org/).
