Pompano Beach, FL – Antonio Alberto Costa, formerly of Southeastern Massachusetts, died unexpectedly Sunday, April 10, 2005 at Imperial Point Medical Center. He was the husband of Guida (Goncalves) Costa.
He was born in Lisbon, Portugal, son of the late Jose M. and Maria A. (Correia) Costa, and immigrated to America as a young man. Mr. Costa was an esteemed leader establishing many firsts within the Portuguese community. As an avid Soccer enthusiast, he was an original founder and past president of the Luso-American Soccer Association as well as the Portuguese American Athletic Club.
His entrepreneur success began with the purchase of “Phillips Press” and continued with the founding of “Costa Imports.” Talented in media broadcasting, he founded the first Portuguese-Language Radio Station in the United States, “WGCY” now broadcasting as WJFD and produced the first Portuguese variety television program, “Passport to Portugal” on WTEV 6. He initiated a daily TV cable program “Panorama of Portugal” currently known as “The Portuguese Channel.”
As a journalist, he expanded his early career experiences as a recent immigrant working at the Diario de Noticias into the purchase and publishing of what is still known today as “The Portuguese Times” newspaper.
As a Portuguese-American icon, Antonio Alberto Costa relocated to Washington, DC to represent Portugal as the Portuguese Language Broadcasting director for “Voice of America.” He then returned to New England to realize his life-long dream as co-owner and director of Radio Club Portugal and “WRCP” was born.
In recognition of his services to the Portuguese Community, the government of Portugal conferred upon him the rank of Comendador da Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique. Various civic organizations recognized his achievements as well. The Seven Castles Club named him “Man of the Year” as he received the Merit Award by the United Way as well as the Portuguese-American Federation. He was granted official citations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives as well as the Rhode Island House of Representatives. He was awarded the Medal of Prestige by the Portuguese Continental Union, and received the Annual Achievement Award of the Prince Henry Club to name a few.
Even in retirement, Mr. Costa continued his service to the Portuguese community in which he lived. He produced the only Portuguese language radio program in South Florida on WHSR 980 AM, where the transmission continues via his website, “radioportugal.net.” He also wrote periodic chronicles published in “O Journal” newspaper entitled “Desabafos.” His love and dedication to the Portuguese community helped sustain him, even in his final days as he continued to transmit in the most beautiful language on earth, or as he so referenced “A lingua de Camoes.”
Besides his wife, Mr. Costa is survived by son: Carlos Alberto Costa and his wife Susan of Westport; a daughter: Ana Maria Costa of New Bedford; and son Luis Manuel Costa and his wife Nancy of New Bedford. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Jennifer, Bethany, Jonathan, Jillian and Trisha; 1 nephew: Steven; as well as 3 great grandchildren.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be from the Dartmouth Funeral Home, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth, Friday, April 15, 2005 at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Conception Church, New Bedford at 11:00 A.M.
Calling hours Thursday 1:30 – 4 & 6 – 8:30 P.M. at the Dartmouth Funeral Home.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.