Manuel Roger Costa, 75, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away at his home on February 2, 2022. The son of “Micky” and Matilda Costa, Roger was born on August 6, 1946, in Newport, R.I.
Upon graduation from Colt Memorial High School in Bristol, R.I., Roger enlisted in the US Navy to serve aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1971. After serving his country, he met and married the love of his life of 50 years, Anne Marie Seghy. In 1974 Roger graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., summa cum laude in all three majors: business administration, hospital administration, and social work. After an internship at United Way of Fargo-Moorhead, he dedicated the next 35 years of his career helping others as Director/CEO of United Way of North Essex, N.J. Retiring in 2009, Roger and Anne moved to Bella Vista, Ark., to be closer to their sons and family. Roger and Anne continued serving others as commissioned Stephen Ministers, and volunteering for local schools and other charitable organizations. Roger, especially, enjoyed helping second-grade students with reading at Hunt Elementary School, Springdale, Ark. In this season of life, Roger’s great joy being “Boppy” to his four grandchildren: Caden, Canan, Issabelle, and Christian.
Roger leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Anne Marie Costa; two sons, Matthew, and Michael (Sarah); four grandchildren; brothers, Paul and Tony; sister, Helene; numerous nieces and nephews across the country; and a host of other family and friends who loved him dearly. His patience, sense of humor, and selflessness are what those who knew him best will remember him by.
A celebration of life will be held May 25th at 11 a.m. at United Lutheran Church in Bella Vista.
Memorial Donations may be made in memory of M. Roger Costa to Stephen Ministries United Lutheran Church, 100 Cooper Road, Bella Vista, Ark. 72715 or United Way of Northern New Jersey, PO Box 6835, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807 – www.unitedwaynnj.org
Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.
Published February 8, 2022
