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Lawrence Anthony Costa passed away at his home in Turlock, California on Monday, September, 26, 2011. His death came as a result of a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 85 years of age. Lawrence, a WWII veteran, was born to Antone and Alice Costa on June 29, 1926 in San Jose, California. The family moved to Ceres, California when Lawrence was three years old and is where he attended elementary and high school. After graduating from Ceres high school in 1944, Lawrence enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for two years. He was a radio man, 3rd class, and served on three different ships; the USS Snider (DE 745), the USS PGM 31 and the US Sitko Bay (CVE-86). He served seventeen months overseas and fought in two battles. Upon returning home in 1946, Lawrence went to work for the Tillie Lewis Cannery in Modesto, California. He would hold several other jobs throughout his life to include ranch work, trenching and land leveling, driving a milk truck and working on the Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1947 Lawrence began dating Ila May Francis and they were married on August 28, 1950. They would make their home in Turlock, California and on January 2, 1952, their first son would be born. A daughter, another son and another daughter would follow. On September 26, 1971, their first grandchild would be born and ten more would follow. In 1967, Lawrence suffered a brain aneurism and then a stroke as a result. As a means of therapy and to help him recover from his illness, he bought a fishing boat and began to spend time in Santa Cruz, California where he caught many sharks and other fish that he would smoke in his home-made smoke house. Lawrence was a proud veteran and was a charter member of the local VFW Post 5059 in Turlock. In his spare time he enjoyed going to the swap meet, spending time in his garden and soaking in the spa. He also liked to build things, including a vacation home in Twain Harte, California, which he built in 1970 with the help of family and friends. Lawrence loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved his “kids, grandkids and great-grandkids so much”. In 1974 Lawrence and Ila began square dancing with the West Side Wagon Wheelers and the Turlock Steppin Pards. They also round danced with the Penny Arcades and kept this up until 1996, when a serious car accident impeded Lawrence’s ability to continue. Lawrence and Ila enjoyed traveling in their RV and spending time at the Emperial Spas in Niland, California, where they danced, fished, relaxed and made many friends. Lawrence loved to tell stories. He never met a stranger he would not talk to. He could talk to anyone and he entertained many. He was the life of the party and had a sense of humor that never left him, even at the very end. Lawrence will be deeply missed by all. We love you and may you rest in peace husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle and best friend. Lawrence leaves behind his wife, Ila of 61 years, son Dennis Costa of Modesto, daughter Kathy Gore of Manteca, son Larry Costa of Modesto, daughter Marie Moitoso of Turlock, eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, including two on the way. Memorial service to be held at Turlock Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 4th at 11am. Viewing on Monday, October 3rd from 2pm to 7pm. Donations may be made to Hospice of Emanuel, 825 Delbon Ave., Turlock, CA 95382

Tributes

Lawrence A. Costa

June 29, 1926 - September 26, 2011