DACOSTA SR., THOMAS J.

Thomas J. DaCosta, 74, (EHPD, ret. Lieutenant) of West Haven, formerly of East Haven passed away at home on February 17, 2021 surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born August 30, 1946 in New Haven to John and Bernice (Hanley) DaCosta. Thomas is survived by his children; Thomas DaCosta Jr. (Amy) of North Haven, Jason DaCosta (Julie) of West Haven, Daniel DaCosta of Florida, Emily DaCosta of West Haven and Jack DaCosta of West Haven. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Patrick, Ryan, Charles and Nora DaCosta, a brother, John DaCosta of Shelton and a sister-in-law, Diane (Yanicky) DaCosta of North Branford. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Margaret (MacLeman) DaCosta, son Jeffrey LeBlanc and a brother, Joseph DaCosta.

Tom dedicated his life to public service. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran serving his country proudly in Vietnam and then the Town of East Haven for 37 years as a police officer. Tom enjoyed life, friends and his family. Tom always wanted to know when the next family BBQ or DaCosta/Hanley family reunion was. Tom adored his children and grandchildren. Tom enjoyed attending their sporting events and watching their activities. For many years, Tom coached Annex Little League Baseball, EH Youth Football and Sal Tinari Biddy Basketball. Tom was also an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish and had a passion for conservation education. Tom was a Hunter Safety Education Instructor for nearly 50 years. In 2018, Tom received an achievement award by the State of CT DEEP for his many years of volunteering. Tom was a long time member and former President of the Branford Gun Club. Tom was also a member of VFW post 2096 in Madison, CT.

Family will receive mask wearing friends from 9 – 10:45 A.M. on Thursday February 25, 2021 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Those who wish for further social distancing, all are welcome to meet and attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. on the same day, Thursday, February 25, with full Military Honors in the St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven. Burial will be private at a later date in the VA Cemetery, Middletown www.Clancy-PalumboFuneralHome.com (203)467-2789