Edward “Buster” Costa transitioned into eternal life on Oct. 31 surrounded by family and friends. Always affectionately known as Buster, he was a companion, son, brother, uncle, a beloved extended family member and a true friend. Buster was 71 years old.

Edward “Buster” Costa was the son of the late Epifanio “Pefon” Costa and Amelia Veiga Youngblood. He is survived by his longtime companion and love of his life, Kathleen (Kathy) Silva, his sisters Doreen Sylvia and her husband Donald, and Brenda Summers, stepsister Wendy Depina and her husband Charles and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Buster served in the military where he was exposed to Agent Orange.  Throughout his life he suffered from that contact with Agent Orange. Buster worked for Polaroid for many years and developed long lasting friendships while there.   

Buster was a member of the Disabled American Veterans in New Bedford and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Onset where he served as the Commander for several years. Buster was the original mastermind of the Children’s Christmas Party at the Onset VFW. The Christmas Party provided disadvantaged children in the community with Christmas gifts. Buster and his committee solicited and donated the gifts for the party. Buster fostered at least two or more young men through transitional periods in their life. He worked with seniors helping them to pay their bills and keep record of their finances. He started the Over 30 Basketball league in New Bedford and was one of the main organizers of his Uncle Manny’s “Manuel E. Costa Sr. Annual Memorial Basketball Tournaments”. There were numerous instances of other “givings” that Buster was a part of and the people who will remember him will also remember the goodness of this wonderful human being who we all knew as Buster.

His Funeral Service will be held on Monday, Nov. 5th at 11 a.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.  Burial with military honors will follow in Rural Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be on Sunday, Nov. 4th from 3 to 6 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Buster's memory may be made to VFW Post 2846, P.O. Box 106, Onset, MA 02571. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.