Joseph A. Costa, of Vineyard Haven, died in the arms of his loving family on Thursday, March 6. He was 94.

Joseph was born June 4, 1930 in Vineyard Haven to John and Margaret Costa and was the youngest of four children.

He met and married the love of his life, Vivian J. (Scott) Costa, in 1952 in Arizona and they were married 70 years as of Oct. 1, 2022. Vivian died in June of 2023. They were blessed with four children. Sadly, their daughter Vanessa predeceased them in 2007.

Joseph, also known as Joe and Coke, lived his entire life on his beloved Island of Martha’s Vineyard with the exception of his service during the Korean War in the Air Force in Arizona where he met Vivian. He was an Island staple and character working for the Steamship Authority for over 40 years and being heavily involved in all things aviation since he was a teenager — both model airplanes as well as private aircraft.

Much of his spare time was spent with friends in and around the Tradewinds Airport in Oak Bluffs and Katama Airfield in Edgartown.

Joseph was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. In addition to taking anybody who wanted on one of his aviation adventures, he was an excellent carpenter, handyman and general tinkerer. Despite his advanced age, he embraced any new technology that came along as well. He could be found flying air missions on his computer or in the virtual world with his Oculus.

Joseph is survived by his sister Louise of Vineyard Haven; son Dennis Costa of Charleston, S.C.; daughter Brenda Costa of Marlborough; daughter Lisa Costa of Atkinson, N.H.; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and his niece and nephews.

His celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to EAA Young Eagles, EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902.