Robert Joseph Costa

On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, Robert Joseph (Bob) Costa, loving husband and father of three children and grandfather of four, passed away at the age of 82. Bob was born on March 19, 1940 in Astoria, Queens, New York to Agostino (Augie) and Mercedes (May) (Nuza) Costa. Upon graduation from High School, Bob joined the United States Navy. He later worked for several years in the Air Conditioning Installation and Service Industry. Bob married Marie Finocchio in 1963 and had two daughters, Phyllis and Maria. Bob joined the New York City Fire Department in October 1969, eventually retiring in June 1996, having attained the rank of Battalion Chief. Bob met Roseanna Yarmolenko in 1975 and they were married in March 1980. Roseanna has a daughter, Nina, whom Bob has known since she was three years old. Shortly after his retirement from the FDNY in 1996, Bob and Roseanna moved to St. Petersburg, FL, where they have resided ever since.

Bob was a longtime New York City Firefighter, so it should come as no surprise that he had a passion for cooking. Bob also loved to fish and to go out boating. We used to call him “Cap’n Bob” when we were out on a boat with him, and he always had enough fishing rods for everyone who came along. Thanks to his years in the HVAC industry, Bob was very handy and was always glad to help with plumbing and electrical work. He was known for his quick wit and his easygoing, compassionate spirit.

While retired, Bob volunteered at various organizations; most notably: Bob volunteered at Road Patrol for the St. Petersburg Police Department. He enjoyed doing that immensely. Bob was also a long standing member of the Breakfast Optimist Club. Additionally, he was a Knight for the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the St. Anthony’s Hospital Auxiliary. Bob occasionally volunteered for the St. Petersburg Woman’s Club with his wife.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Augie, and his mother, May. Left to cherish Bob’s memory is his wife Roseanna, his three daughters Phyllis, Maria and Nina, his granddaughters Tara, Alyssa, Ashley and Alexa, his sisters Gloria Marsilia and Linda (Phil) Reale, several nieces and nephews, and many supportive friends and neighbors.

A wake will be held at Beach Memorial Chapel, 301 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 on Friday, August 12. Afternoon hours will be from 2:00 – 5:00 PM, with evening hours from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 at 10:30 on Saturday morning, August 13.

In lieu of flowers, Bob has requested that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers. Their website is T2T.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beachmemorial.com for the COSTA family.