Kenneth Paul Costa

Kenneth Paul Costa (“Ken”) was born on July 20th, 1964 in Washington D.C. and grew up in Greenbelt, MD. Ken was one of three children, with older sisters Laurie and Donna. Ken was always pleasant, a gentle soul. He learned to play the guitar at age 7. He enjoyed playing music, acting and basketball as a youth.

Ken was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Catholic schools from elementary school through college. He was an altar server as a young boy and shared his musical gifts with the church, singing and playing guitar at Mass.

Ken moved with his parents to California when he was just out of college in 1986. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Molly. They were married in 1988 and celebrated their 36th anniversary this past year. He and Molly raised their children Joey Costa and Kelsey (Jordan) Headley in Gresham, OR.

Ken and Molly are the proud grandparents of Westin and Harper Rose who are deeply loved. They are the aunt and uncle to eight nieces and nephews. Ken shared a close relationship with his brothers and sisters in law.

His family was always near and dear to his heart. He gave his children an incredibly happy childhood with many good memories. He and Molly were a welcoming influence on everyone, always making their home a place of love and comfort to friends and family. For their children’s friends, the Costas provided a much-remembered home away from home. On more than one occasion Ken made a long-distance trip just to provide support to family in need.

Throughout Ken’s career, he was a gifted educator, working in various capacities from teaching to administration. In his unique way of connecting with people, he mentored and guided countless students. Ken had a way of delivering a message in a firm but supportive way, sometimes with a little sarcasm. Students knew he was always in their corner, even if his message was strong. Sharing his gifts of humor and genuine compassion, he made an impression on countless students, staff and coworkers. Ken Costa was always determined to strike up a conversation that would make people think and encouraged them to aim for high moral standards.

Music was a passion for Ken that brought he and Molly together and they shared it with their family. With Ken on guitar and the harmonies sung by his wife and children, the family made beautiful music together throughout the years. His other passion was cooking and grilling. He was known for his bbq ribs, chicken wings and healing soups-as he gained the nickname "Souperman". His children inherited his love of cooking.

People were drawn to Ken for his kind, gentle ways and his humor. He would often open a conversation with strangers with a pleasant greeting and a funny remark. When Ken and Molly moved to Goodyear, he quickly became affectionately known by the neighbors as the "Mayor" because of his outgoing nature and his genuine desire to connect with people.

Ken will be deeply missed by all those who loved and cared for him.

His parents Evelyn and Joseph and his sister Donna preceded him in passing.

He is survived by his wife Molly, children Joey and Kelsey and his sister Laurie (George) Angelaras.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 18th at 1 pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W. Thomas Road, Avondale, AZ.

PNW Friends and Family:

Please join us for a celebration of Ken's life on Saturday, August 2nd at 2 pm.

Rex Putnam High School Auditorium

4950 SE Roethe Road

Milwaukie, OR

Bring your stories, and memories as we pay tribute to a one of a kind man who touched so many hearts.