Joseph Robert Costa died in his daughter-in-law's arms on Wednesday, April 19. Joe suffered from heart-related issues for the past several years, and succumbed to a heart attack Wednesday morning.

Joe was born in California to Carmilla (Millie) DeNardo on May 30, 1937. Joe was an only child, but was surrounded by a large extended family. His marriage to Brenda J. Brown in March 1959 produced two children: Diedre Jolynn and Joseph Manuel. The marriage wasn't to last. They divorced and Joe married Norma Louise (Lou) Cummings Morris on May 29, 1969. He inherited three children from Lou's first marriage: Michael (Mickey), Jamie, and Randol Eugene (Randy) Morris. In January 1971, their son, Garrett Robert, was born to complete their family.

Joe had an uncle and aunt who lived in Alaska that he visited often. He always said, "When I retire, I'm moving to Alaska. It's God's country." Lou wasn't too keen on the idea and had said, "It's God's country, let him keep it. I have family in Idaho. We can move there." February 1983 afforded him an early medical retirement, so he moved the family (Lou and Garrett) to Idaho. This allowed him to do the things he loved – fishing and hunting. He continued to visit Alaska at least once a year. His memories and adventures in Alaska held such a special place in his heart that he has requested his ashes be scattered at the hunting camp at Nowitna River during the annual spaghetti feed.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Manuel Costa. He is survived by his wife, Lou Costa; his children, Mickey Wells, Jamie (Michael) Murphy, Randy (Liz) Morris, Jolynn (Steve Hudson) Costa, Joe (Mary) Costa and Garrett (Rhea) Costa; as well as his 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

A memorial will be held Saturday, May 27, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) meetinghouse located at 5200 S. 2041 West, Rexburg, Idaho. Since there is no burial, the family has requested no flowers, please.

Joe's cousins, David DeNardo and Patricia DeNardo Schmidt, will scatter his ashes at Nowitna River in Alaska in September 2017. Date not yet scheduled.