GLOUCESTER: Stanley L. “Stan” DeCoste, 67, died peacefully on Monday, January 17, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Katherine “Kate” (Robinson) DeCoste.
Born in Gloucester on May 20, 1943, he was the son of the late Arthur and Ruth L. (Ekborg) DeCoste. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and attended Gloucester public schools.
Stan’s life was centered on the water and the Gloucester waterfront. An avid sailor, he journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean from Gloucester to Portugal. Known to be a jack of all trades, he was a heavy equipment operator, a longshoreman, boat builder, and at one time worked at the Gloucester Marine Railways. He had also managed the Cape Ann Marina for fifteen years.
While raising their children, he and Kate resided aboard an eighty foot catch rig, the Carminita, on Rocky Neck. They were also proud participants of the Tall Ships Salute to Lady Liberty in 1986 and the Boston Tall Ships in 1992.
He was proud of his Native American heritage and enjoyed researching his lineage and traveling to pow wows. He was also a musician, having played the guitar and drums.
In addition to his wife of twenty-three years, he is survived by his children, Stanley L., Jr., husband of Erin DeCoste, Michael J. DeCoste, fiancée of Danielle R. Hopkins and Lindsey M. DeCoste; four grandchildren, Ayla DeCoste, Caleb DeCoste, Evan Porter, Aiden DeCoste; and his brother, Jack DeCoste. He was also predeceased his brother, Ronald DeCoste.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday afternoon in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 2 – 4 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Please omit flowers. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the family. Committal services will be held privately.