Frank Costa Jr.

Groton — Frank M. Costa Jr., 91, of Groton, formerly of North Stonington, passed away peacefully with family by his side Feb. 26, 2023. Frank was born Dec. 7, 1931, to

Frank M. and Ada (Westgate) Costa in Marion, Mass. He was the husband of Dorothy D. (Smith) Costa. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving two years in the Navy Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., and aboard APB, USS Benewah during the Korean War and the fleet tug Nipmuck. He worked for 34 years at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton.

You may have recognized him in his 1954 Ford truck “Ruby.” Frank graduated from Bryant College in 1952, and was a member of Groton Toastmasters. He also taught AARP safe driving courses for 16 years. He and his wife Dotty were members of many square dancing clubs including Surf Side 8; and traveled all over the world together. Frank was a master carpenter and woodcarver and also truly enjoyed his time boating and fishing out on the water.

Frank is survived by his loving wife Dorothy; his sister Eleanor Mello of

South Dartmouth, Mass.; granddaughters Koren

(Joel) Jopson of Pawcatuck, and Shelley (Ben) Steendam of Gales Ferry; and six great-grandchildren: Zachary (Sara) Moran, Morgan Steendam, Alyssa Steendam, Renae Allen, Kaylei Allen and Joshua Jopson. Frank was predeceased by his beloved only child, Linda J. Tirrell in 2010.

To honor Frank’s wishes, there will not be any services held. Frank’s ashes will be spread at a later date on the Long Island Sound as he wished to spend eternity at a place he loved — The Sea.