Robert A. DeCosta

Robert A. DeCosta, 83, of Cranston, RI and Clearwater, FL., passed away of COVID-19 on November 6, 2020. He was the son of the late Catherine and Anthony DeCosta of Cranston, and for 46 years the beloved husband of late Gail L. Anthony-DeCosta until her passing in 2004, and current companion of Hazel Grasso of Clearwater, FL.  He was the devoted father of Robert A. DeCosta II (Lois), Ronald M. DeCosta, and Loralyn M. DeCosta-Hynes (Christopher), all of Cranston.  He was a loving “Papa” to Tara Lynn, Robert Benjamin, Hailey Gail, Ronald M. II., Nicole Lee DeCosta, Alexandra Cassidy and Austin James Taylor Hynes.

He was a 40-year employee (retired) and officer of Citizens Bank.  At the time of his retirement, he was #1 in longevity at the bank.  He was a former member of the East Providence Rotary Club, The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, and the Treasurer of Prepaid Legal Service Corp. of RI.  He was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire school of banking, and Williams College of Banking.

He was a former pitcher with the Milwaukee Braves baseball organization.  He was active in softball programs for many years. He played for State Championship teams in the major open division, Earl’s Tap and the State team division champs, Citizens Bank.  In later years, he played in Warwick with over 35 softball leagues.  He received the MVP award on numerous occasions.

He helped construct the CLCF building in Cranston and was a basketball coach there for several years.  He was also a coach for Budlong Instructional League.  For over 40 years he had been an officer and a coach in Cranston's National Little League (Rotary Team).  He was one of the recipients that Aqueduct Little League Field was dedicated to in 1996.  He was again honored on opening day 2003 for his many years of dedication to Little League and the youth of the City of Cranston. He retired from Little League in 2008 and went on to coach in the Cranston Babe Ruth organization. 

He was an avid sports fan of the Yankees, Giants, and Bruins.

He was an active member of the Young at Heart & St. Vincent DePaul Society at Pinellas Park, FL.

Bob was extraordinary in so many ways.  His main joy was his family.  They came first and foremost.  He genuinely enjoyed his grandchildren; whether it was walking the beach, working in the workshop showing them how to build things, or running around all over the state watching his grandchildren at ballparks or gyms.  He would babysit at the drop of a hat.  They were all his pride and joy.

He had many friends both here and in Florida.  He enjoyed camping and the more friends and family around, the better.  He was a humble and great man.

The family would like to thank Mary Tinkham & Heidi Baker for the great care that they gave him and all the people who cared for him at the hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a date to be announced.  All family and friends will be invited to attend.