Anthony John DeCosta "Tony" was born Nov. 16, 1922, in Syracuse, New York — one
of five children born to Mary (Sario) and August DeCosta — and died Oct. 19, 2015 in
Portland, Ore.
After graduating in 1940 from Solvay High School in New York, Tony began working
for Crucible Steel as a Clerk Typist in the Chrysler Building. He went on to a cherished
stainless steel sales career that spanned 66 years. He retired at age 84.
During World War II, Tony served as a Master Sergeant, stationed in Okinawa, Japan,
from 1943 to 1946. In 1949, Crucible Steel transferred him from Syracuse, New York to
Seattle, Wash. In 1952, he married Joeanne Wilkins and started a family. Tony was president
of the Kiwanis Club of Industrial Seattle in 1965.
In 1966, Crucible Steel transferred Tony to Oregon where the family moved to the
Rock Creek suburb of Portland. After Joeanne's death in 1970, Tony went on to raise his five
children on his own. He enjoyed living on the beautiful golf course and took pride in his
children's accomplishments. He instilled in his family the rewards reaped from working hard
and living with a kind heart.
In 1982, Tony married Geraldine "Gerry" Myron. The couple lived in the Mountain Park
neighborhood of Lake Oswego for 15 years before moving to La Quinta, Calif., to enjoy the
beauty and warmth of the desert. Tony and Gerry enjoyed traveling together, long walks and
sharing their faith. Gerry died in 2008.
Tony was known for his quick one-liners that could turn a quiet room into a roar of
laughter. He loved views of the ocean, drinking red wine, and was very proud of his
Portuguese heritage. He will always be remembered for his clean garage, his love of
spaghetti, and his impressive collection of colorful sweaters and AAA maps.
Known as "Papa Tony," the grandchildren enjoyed his tradition of special birthday
outings and receiving cards and letters with his signature sheriff drawing.
Tony spent his last four years at SpringRidge at Charbonneau in Wilsonville, Ore.,
where he made quite an impression on the caregiver staff with his lively stories and caring
demeanor.
Tony is survived by his five children — Mary Jane Koch (Steve) of Canby; John
DeCosta (Priscilla) of Lake Oswego; Jim DeCosta (Madelene) of Aurora; Suzie DeCosta of
Beaverton, and Carol Miller (Brock) of Issaquah, Wash. — 11 grandchildren (Mindy Keithley,
Ryan Koch, Nicole DeCosta, Alicia DeCosta, Jimmy DeCosta, Jeff DeCosta, Michelle Baylis,
Missy DeCosta, Brennan Miller, Blake Miller, Carly Miller), and three great grandchildren
(Landon Keithley, Ellie Keithley, and Violet Baylis.)
A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at St. Cyril
Parish, 9205 SW 5th St, Wilsonville, OR 97070.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Legacy Hopewell House Hospice of
Portland or the Alzheimer's Association.