The untimely passing of John DeCosta, a 58-year-old man who dedicated his life to his family, friends, and in service to the hometown he loved, sent shockwaves through Mattapoisett on April 29.
On April 13 at the beginning of the Board of Selectmen’s meeting, DeCosta spoke directly to the townspeople, assuring them that although he was facing health issues, he was fully capable of carrying out the duties of the office. He kept that promise working on behalf of the town, attending his last meeting on April 27.
DeCosta had been well entrenched for many years in the issues facing the town through his volunteer work on the Capital Planning Committee. He also served as chairman of the Community Preservation Act for many years and was a member of the Open Space and Recreation Committee. But it wasn’t all he hoped to do for the town. Becoming a selectman, as his father and namesake had before him, was for DeCosta a lifelong dream. On June 16, 2020 it became a reality.
DeCosta understood the complexities of local government, not only through the 21 years he observed his father in that role, all the late nights, all the people that came seeking assistance, the art of compromise and cooperation, but also as a volunteer dealing with contemporary town government. As his wife Marianne confirmed, “He understood what he was getting into, but he wanted to do it.”
Reaching out to those who knew DeCosta best through his volunteer work, the consensus is that here was a man who gave of himself all his life.
“I knew his dad and John was just like him,” said former Town Administrator Mike Gagne. “He was a gentleman who came from a family with a strong work ethic.
“John was a founding member of the Capital Planning Committee. He listened carefully and always, always had the best interest of the town as his guide. Through his contributions on that committee, he was critical in the town’s ability to receive a triple-A bond rating with its 10-year planning mapped out.” Gagne recalled DeCosta’s work on the Community Preservation Committee, saying, “John always did his homework.” Gagne also said that John, along with Conservation Agent Liz Leidhold, drafted an Open Space and Recreation document that he described as a voluminous document that helped the town apply for grants.
Gagne said that DeCosta returned to the Capital Planning Committee after a short absence when asked to assist a new slate of members. “I needed someone there who had experience and knowledge. He came back willingly and worked tirelessly for the community. He worked right up to the end.” Gagne said that DeCosta typified the adage: “We can agree to disagree, but we don’t have to be disagreeable.”
Chuck McCullough enjoyed a more than a 25-year relationship with DeCosta. He shared, “John was a true public servant holding Mattapoisett close to his heart.” McCullough said that, in spite of DeCosta’s health issues, “The needs of the town were at the top of his list of priorities – a selfless man.” McCullough said that DeCosta’s institutional knowledge of the fire and police departments was a great asset to the Capital Planning Committee when reviewing the public safety departments’ need for equipment and training. “He was their advocate.”
With a smile, McCullough said that DeCosta could be found on summer evenings sitting in Shipyard Park with members of the community sharing “remember when” stories and listening to the concerns of the residents. “He loved to be with the people.”
An attempt to appropriately memorialize someone who was so fondly thought of is already in the works. Melody Pacheco, who has known the DeCosta family for decades, said, “We’re going to put a bench in Shipyard Park where he liked to sit and talk to people.” She said of her long history with DeCosta, “He was a caring human being and he wanted to work for the community – he got his chance.” She believes his legacy of service will live on as an example to others.
DeCosta’s accomplishments include a 21-year career with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, advancing to park superintendent of Scusset Beach State Reservation. He spent 15 years with the Mattapoisett Water Department and was a member of the Mattapoisett Fire Department for 17 years. DeCosta was also recognized as Man of The Year in 2016 by The Standard Times. He volunteered taking up various tasks during Harbor Days sponsored by the Lions Club and in the winter during the town’s Holiday in the Park. McCullough added to the list, saying DeCosta had spent years coordinating the band concerts in the summertime at the gazebo.
As his family moves through the process of saying goodbye to their beloved husband, father, and brother, Marianne said, “His only regret was not being able to complete his term as selectman. He loved it. He was surprised by how much he actually enjoyed it.” And of that last meeting, just hours before his passing, she said, “It was something he needed to do.”
By Marilou Newell