Obituary of Raymond Costa
Raymond “Ray” Costa passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the age of 95, at Care One in Edison, New Jersey.
Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, to Bernice and Michael Costa at the age of 18, he made the courageous and honorable decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country from 1947 to 1950, before being honorably discharged.
Ray eventually settled in South Plainfield, New Jersey, where he met the love of his life, Ethel. They shared a loving marriage of 65 years and built a beautiful life together. Ray was an adoring and devoted father to his two daughters, whom he cherished deeply. Family was always Ray’s greatest priority and his proudest accomplishment.
For many years, Ray worked for the former Suburban Transit Company in South Plainfield and later continued working at Plainfield Country Club and Shackamaxon Country Club before finally retiring at the age of 84. Beyond his professional life, Ray had a deep passion for acting and was an enthusiastic sports fan and enjoyed time on the golf course.
Ray was also deeply committed to his fellow veterans and community. He served as Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, an active member of the Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Chaumont Post 243 and the Knights of Columbus, 3rd degree. He rarely missed a meeting, and his pride in being a Marine never wavered. He was also one of the oldest living members of the South Plainfield VFW.
Ray will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Ethel of 65 years; his daughters, Michele Kunie and Barbara Westgate and her husband John; his grandchildren, Kristen Ignoscia and her husband Paul, AJ Kunie and his wife Tara, and Zachary and Annie Westgate; and his five great-grandchildren, Nicolas, Joseph and Aubrey Ignoscia, and Arielle and Lorenzo Kunie, and his beloved friend and caregiver Sandra Persaud.
Ray’s legacy of love, service, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Family and friends may attend the visitation hours on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 2-5 PM in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
A funeral services will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM in the funeral home.
Interment will be in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ: this will be private for family.
In lieu of flowers donation in his memory may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital.