Phillip Bernard Costa

Phillip Bernard Costa was born in Houston, Texas on June 14, 1920, and completed his life on June 28, 2015, at the age of 95. A lifelong Houstonian, Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Rosina and Salvador Costa and his brother Anthony Costa. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Patsy Reinshagen Costa of Houston; his son, Phillip B. Costa, Jr., and wife Rita Lucido; his daughter, Claudia Lynn Longwill; his grandchildren Leigh Austin Costa and Brent Phillip Longwill; his niece Denise Stockbridge; his nephew Bobby Costa and his niece Patsy Costa.

Phil was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, always finding a way to live life to the fullest with his quick smile and wry sense of humor. He had an innate ability to put friends, acquaintances and strangers at ease, and you always knew when he was on the scene. He was a graduate of Reagan High School, where he played football, baseball and basketball before entering Rice University. At Rice, he was the starting centerfielder for the baseball team during his first two years. After the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor, Phil joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and attained the rank of Captain. While stationed in England, he served in the Normandy Air Offensive and Ardennes Rhineland campaigns to liberate Europe. When the war was over, Phil returned to Rice to complete his education and it was during this time that he met his future wife, Patsy. He was voted President of his Senior Class, finished his baseball career, earned his bachelor's degree and stayed on to teach at Rice after his graduation. He remained close friends with many of his classmates from Rice, and was a staunch supporter of Rice University until the end of his life.

Phil loved being with people from all walks of life. He was an outdoorsman, who also loved sports and played golf well into his eighties. During his career at Gulf Printing Company, he hosted colleagues and customers from around the country who were moving to Houston as the city grew into a center of energy and commerce worldwide. Once again, he made many close friends for life through his long and successful career in the printing business.

His friends and family will always remember him with great love, affection and a warm smile.

The family extends its special thanks and gratitude to Dr. Clinton H. Doerr, Dr. Stephanie B. Mundy, Dr. Christopher R. Lockhart, and all of the dedicated nurses, staff, caregivers and friends at Brookdale Galleria. Their loving care and attention to Phil and his family will always be remembered.

A visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday evening, July 1, 2015, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2015, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10330 Hillcroft St., Houston, TX 77096. Following the mass, burial will take place at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77023.

In lieu of customary remembrances, a donation may be made to Rice University, or to the charity of one's choice .