Edmund P. DaCosta, age 76 years, of New Bedford, died peacefully surrounded by his family on February 25, 2015. He had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis eight years ago and given a short life expectancy. In typical fashion he beat the odds and fought through the disease to live a very active life to the very end.
He was the husband of Elaine M. (Nicolau) DaCosta whom he was married to for 17 years. He was previously married to Elizabeth A. (Reilly) DaCosta. At the time of her death they had been married for 30 years.
Edmund was born in Sao Miguel, Azores to the late Maria P. (Raposa) DaCosta and the late Edmundo P. DaCosta. He came to America with his family, including his brother Leonel, in 1944, living the remainder of his life in New Bedford. Early in his life he owned and operated a few local auto body shops with his brother. He also worked for Joe Andrew’s Lincoln Mercury and Tam Motors Chevrolet. A man of many skills and ambitions, he later owned and operated Quality Builders Home Construction for 40+ successful years. After retirement he “dabbled” in used car sales (a business he always loved and never really left).
A man of many, many talents, there was nothing he couldn’t fix, build or accomplish. As much a skilled craftsman with his words as his hands, he loved the art of negotiation. A skill he masterfully showcased as he negotiated the time and manner of his death. These negotiations were not for himself but out of his concern for the burdens on his family. Unselfish devotion til the end.
A great friend to all, a great teller of stories, a great lover of life.
Survivors include his wife; 5 sons, Michael DaCosta and his wife Pauline of Acushnet, and Larry DaCosta, Edmund DaCosta and his wife Jill, David DaCosta and his wife Leeann and Daren DaCosta and his wife Mandy, all of New Bedford; a step-daughter, Michelle Belanger of New Bedford; a brother, Leonel DaCosta and longtime companion Fran of Sagamore Beach. He has 16 grandchildren and was the father of the late Eric DaCosta of New Bedford.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 8th from 12 Noon – 4 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Community Nurse & Hospice Care 62 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719, or a charity of your preference.