Carole DaCosta

Carole DaCosta was a sunny, sassy woman. Her mother was English, her father Irish and their marriage was scandalous at the time. She inherited both their fighting spirit and a touch of mischief. In her youth she was an avid dancer, winning the heart of her husband Joseph P. DaCosta during an evening dance, despite wearing what he fondly describes as “a picnic blanket dress.” After a brief courtship they married on September 6, 1955 and she quickly established herself as the matriarch of the family, nurturing Joe’s six siblings and wayward father. 

Carole and Joe became avid RV campers, spending summers traveling the Northeast and across the country. Carole’s cocktail hours were legendary. Their grandkids spent summers piling into the motorhome and spilling out into tents with their friends. There was always room for more at the campsite. She loved to share stories of scandalous relatives around the fire to the delight of her grandchildren. She invented camper microwave s’mores with her oldest granddaughter, though she later regretted the ensuing mess. 

She had a warm full laugh that included you in the joke and a naughty sense of humor. She was always welcoming, but could gossip with the best of them. She loved her family fiercely and had strong opinions about their hair choices. Her door was always open. To know Carole was to be part of her family. 

She was an avid reader of mysteries and romance novels, and inspired an equal devotion in her eldest granddaughter. Playing cards was a pastime that she and Joe shared with their family. Many an evening was spent playing poker at their table with laughter flowing amid the good-natured ribbing. 

She loved hosting big loud family gatherings. Christmas was a highlight for her grandchildren who looked forward to their own personalized stockings as well as her unparalleled homemade lemon tarts and mincemeat pies. 

She gave full body hugs that made you feel warm, safe and loved. She was home for our family. We’re not sure how we will get on without her. We’re deeply saddened that not all of her great-grandchildren will get to know her. But she lived a good life and we all loved her. 

Mrs. DaCosta is survived by her husband, Joseph, her four children, Carri Dodd (Victor), Debra Hallett (Howard), Laurie Cunningham (Mike) and Joseph (Kim), her grandchildren, Michael (Craig), Kory (Kevin), Matthew (Alisha), Jennifer (Steven), Tyhlor (Hayley), Nikki (Josh), Ashlie (Ellen) and Brianna, as well as her great-grandchildren, Sabrina, Victoria, Malcolm, Ethan, Dash and Steven.

Visitation- Tuesday May 16, 2023 from 2-4:30 & 7-9:00 p.m. at our West Sayville Funeral Home, 245 Main St.

Chapel Service- Tuesday May 16, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. at our West Sayville Funeral Home, 245 Main St.

Interment- Wednesday May 17, 2023 at Calverton National Cemetery. Family will gather at funeral home 8:30 a.m. with a closing prayer at 9:00 a.m.