Joseph and Vivian Costa celebrated 60 years of marriage on Oct. 1, 2012. The family gathered this past August at their annual family reunion, aptly named The Costapalooza, to celebrate Joe and Vivian’s milestone. With one great-grandchild and one on the way, the Costa family is showing the next generation the importance and joy of their family connections. Twenty-one family members gathered around for food, song and laughter, capturing many special moments in pictures. Joe and Vivian were highlighted in family photos seated on either side of the six-foot lighthouse that Joe had made as a gift to his son in law in loving memory of their daughter, Vanessa Donoghue. Her memory burns bright always in the laughter and love of her family, as the lighthouse now shines at her home in Hull, overlooking World’s End.

Joseph worked all his adult life on the boat and retired from the Steamship Authority when he was 65. His passion in life has been flying. Vivian worked at different times, but spent most of the time raising her children. She worked at Sears for quite some time and the registry of motor vehicles at some point after that. Her passion in life has been her family and taking care of Joseph.

Vivian is originally from Indiana. Joseph was born and raised on the Vineyard and met Vivian in Arizona where he was stationed after the Korean War. After their son Dennis was born, they moved back to the Vineyard where their daughters and son were born. They remained on the Island ever since.

Their children are Dennis Costa, Brenda Costa and Lisa Costa (Vanessa Donoghue passed away three weeks after being diagnosed with cancer on Nov. 10, 2007). Their grandchildren are Jacob Costa Durand, Caleb Costa Durand, Andrew Costa Durand, Christopher Donoghue, Jennifer Donoghue, Michael Costa Pitts and Jonathan Costa Pitts. Their great-grandchildren are Thomas Costa Colario and Bridget Donoghue who joined the family this year.

Joseph and Vivian have settled into a nice rhythm as they age together. They have kept their good humor, take excellent care of each other and are good sports when the whole family descends on them for the Costapalooza every year. This year karaoke was added to the activities and Joseph even danced.