Victor Joseph Costa

Victor J. Costa 1918-2010 INDIAN ORCHARD - Victor J. Costa, 92, of Indian Orchard, passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at Country Estates of Agawam surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ludlow, and a life long Indian Orchard resident, he was the son of the late Manuel and Maria Assencao (Roque) Costa.  Victor was a machinist and retired from Banner Machine Co. of Indian Orchard.  He had also been employed for the Ludlow Mills.  Victor was a communicant of St. Jude's Church in Indian Orchard. He served in the Army during World War II as a cannoneer with Company C, 230th Tank Battalion. He participated in the Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on 18 May 1945, the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon with 2 Service Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a past member of the Knight of Columbus, Council #160 of Indian Orchard.  Victor was a talented soccer player and played for Ludlow High School and the Gremio Lusitano Soccer Team.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Josie B. (Blazejowski) Costa, his son, Victor Costa, Jr., his two brothers, Manuel, Jr. and Fernando (Fifty).  Victor is survived by a son, Richard Costa and his wife Cherie of Feeding Hills; a daughter, Joyce Houle and her husband, Alfred of Feeding Hills; (3) grandchildren; Lori Costa, Richard Costa, Jr., and Daniel Houle; (4) great grandchildren; (2) sisters, Emily Garete and Alcina Bourcier as well as several nieces and nephews. We would like to thank the staff of Country Estates of Agawam for taking care of our Dad for the last four years, with special thanks to the West 1 nurses and CNA's.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 15, 2010 from the Ratell Funeral Home 200 Main St., Indian Orchard at 9 a.m., followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Jude Church at 10 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery, Indian Orchard.  Calling hours will be held at the Ratell Funeral Home on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 4 - 7 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.