1943 - 2017
Visitation
June 20, 20173:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dolan Funeral Home, Chelmsford, MA
Funeral
June 21, 201710:00 AM Mass
St. Michael's Church, Lowell
Dennis M. Costa of Dracut, passed away on Friday June 16, 2017 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after a brief but very courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Lowell, MA he was the son of the late Manuel and Matilda Costa. He was raised in Lowell and graduated from Lowell High School.
During the Vietnam War, he served in the US Air Force attaining the rank of Airman Third Class.
After his time in the Air Force, Dennis joined the Lowell Police Dept. where he worked for 11 years before an injury forced his retirement. He attended Anna Maria College and U Mass Lowell where he earned Master’s Degrees in both Criminal Justice and Education. After his retirement from the Police Dept. Dennis taught Middle School in the Lowell, Dracut and Lawrence school systems.
Dennis loved listening to old music and watching old movies, especially the classics. He enjoyed riding his bike at both Nantasket and Hampton Beach. Most of all, Dennis loved his family and cherished the time he spent with them and his three grandchildren. Dennis was known by his family as the person to go to in a time of need. There was no sacrifice which proved too great for him to make for his family, and his selflessness will always be remembered.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gert (Lally) Costa; three sons, Jamie and his wife Kim Costa, Jeff and Greg Costa all of Dracut; a daughter, Dina Costa of Lowell, three grandchildren, Emily, Matthew and Zachary Costa; a sister, Donna Denommee and her husband, Denis of Marlborough, MA; brother in-law and sister in-law, Michael and Marguerite Ryan of Tyngsborough, MA; and brother-in law, Ulysses Thibodeau of Dracut; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visiting hours Tuesday 3 to 7:00 PM. Funeral Wed. at 9A.M from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 10A.M. at St. Michael’s Church 543 Bridge St. Lowell. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tewksbury. For those that wish contributions in his memory may be made to St. Judes Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/tribute ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Elizabeth McOsker
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OH Gert, My heart breaks for you and your family and all that you have had to endure. The world has lost a wonderful man. Love, Betty & Michael
Kathy Warren
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Gert, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so saddened by your loss. May God help you through this most difficult time.
Donna Denommee
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My brother, my hero, my friend. You have always been my sunshine☀️ I will miss the sound of your voice saying “little sister” when are you moving back? I’ll miss our reminiscing. You had the most unbelievable memory. I have always been so proud of you. I remember all my teen friends having crushes on you. Rest In Peace big brother, you fought so hard. Give our Mom and Dad a hug for me. Till we meet in that wonderful place. Love you to the moon.
Kevin ryan
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To the Costa family please accept my condolences. May he rest in peace.
Paul La Cedra
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To Gert and the Costa family, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis. through the years we shared some memorable times.some of which I’ll never forget.for sure he was one of the good guys, you can be proud of, may the precious blood of Jesus comfort you and your family through your loss.I will remember him in my prayers. (John 1:3-16) Paul & Flo La Cedra.
Michael Gaudette
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To The Costa family,
My neighbors and friends for so many years. Mr. Costa was “the best” he was the only shirtless parent on Endicott you would catch, proudly riding his old bicycle. Many great memories with him and his family, I am very proud to say I knew him!
Michael Gaudette
“Mikey”
Billy Sheehan
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Gertie, I am so sorry for your loss,Dennis was one of the best., all the good guys like dennis and my buddy Ralph,leave us all too soon,,gert you take care of yourself, Love Billy sheehan
Paul Belanger
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My best friend of 56 years, and the guy I could always talk to about anything that was happening in this crazy world.
You gave your best fight, aganst this terrible disease that few people survive.
Still can’t believe your gone, but not forgotten by everyone who knew you.
A great father, and all around caring guy, who was never lost for words about any subject that came his way, especially politics.
No more pain in suffering my friend, Rest in peace
Denis Denommee
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There really aren’t any words to describe Denny, all I can say is whenever he called or I got to spend time with him, he made me smile and he made me laugh. I always enjoyed his company and I will miss him dearly…. my deepest sympathies to Gert, his sister, to his children and to his little people.
Sandra Winters
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Dearest Gertrude – My heart is broken for you and the family. I don’t even have words…. I love you… I’m always here. R.I.P. Dennis.. #heartbroken
Ashley Denommee
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R.I.P Uncle Denny, you taught me sarcasm & how to expand my vocabulary. Always being facetious to get a smile out of anyone. You were a great man, a true brother and certainly Uncle Den to all of us. Its a bittersweet feeling knowing your pain is gone & you finally found peace, but the pain of not seeing your smile again wont go away for sometime. It hurts me to say that you’re gone and to think of all the laughs we shared but your memory is one that burns bright and will stay alive in us. I hope that we can all come together as a family the next two days and share the good times and joy that you always shared with us.
We love you Denny, you will be missed.
John Jason
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My deepest and sincere condolences to the Costa and Lally families for the loss of Dennis. Having just returned from the Carolina’s to this news I am in total shock and disbelief at his passing.
I want to tell the families that this was the funniest and wittiest man I had the pleasure to know and work with on the Lowell Police Department and an officer to rely upon in time of need.
Most officers were given a nickname they carried through their career…..Dennis was given ” The Mannequin” or “Steve Stunning”
Why those names? … Dennis was impeccable at roll call in uniform and grooming…When he first joined the police department the cruisers didn’t have air conditioning…Dennis would not put the windows down for fear of the wind messing his hair no matter what the summer temperature, thus the names.
BUT when another officer was in any trouble you could always count on Dennis to jump in get dirty and physical if needed to protect his co-worker.
Dennis…I know you will see Ralph and Geneva again say hi for me please.
Gert I am so sorry…..John Jason