Dr. Theodore DaCosta, M.D.

Ted was born on March 5, 1930. Although he grew up poor in Jamaica, he never let the many hardships he faced deter him from his dream of becoming a physician. It was difficult to leave 200 years of roots on the island, but he realized his dream could be better accomplished in the United States. He completed his undergraduate degree at Siena College in New York and his medical degree at Seton Hall Medical College in New Jersey. He trained at St Michael’s Medical Center in Newark and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. In 1964, he opened a private practice in Internal Medicine and Gastro-enterology where he worked until he retired at the age of 90. He was a physician at St Michael’s Medical Center for over 50 years, and was an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Seton Hall. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the New Jersey Medical Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology.

Ted embodied all that a physician should be and more. He worked for over half a century providing care to the underserved, disadvantaged, disabled, and the elderly. In 2012 he helped establish the Leaders in Urban Community Endowed Scholarship at UMDNJ to support and encourage students to pursue careers in marginalized communities. He also inspired his four children and several grandchildren to pursue careers in the medical field, all of whom continue his work in underserved communities.

While working at St Michael’s Medical Center, he met his soulmate, Johanne. They were happily married for over 60 years. They were inseparable, building their lives together, working side by side at their medical office, and raising their four children. They were always seen holding hands or gazing into each other’s eyes. They are the model of love that has shaped the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Ted truly loved his life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed participating in and following multiple sports. He was an avid tennis and table tennis player, and if he didn’t have a racket in his hand, you would likely find him in the pool swimming or at his favorite vacation site, Lake George. He enjoyed reading and writing, and even wrote two novels which are dear to his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, teaching them tennis, table tennis, soccer, swimming, chess, and of course, medicine.

Ted is survived by his wife, Johanne, and their children and spouses: Anna and John, Theodore and Judy, John and Maryanne, and Nancy and Tommy. He was cherished by his grandchildren and their spouses and his great-granddaughter: Jennifer, Christina, Warren, and Rose, Misha, Teddy and Steffanie, Christopher, Jenna and Paul, Angela and Ryan, Nina, Liliana, Timmy, Danny, James, and Joshua. He also leaves behind a beloved sister, Marjorie, and brother, Larry, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 29, from 4 to 8pm at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home in Livingston. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 30, at 10am at St Philomena’s Church in Livingston. Burial will take place afterwards at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ted’s name to the Peter Ho Memorial Clinic. This clinic at St Michael’s is one of the largest HIV clinics in the country and was supported by Ted. Please send to: Hospital Administration, Peter Ho Memorial Clinic, 111 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07102.