Robert Costa Sr.

A graveside service is scheduled for Robert Ray Costa Sr. of Orland for 10 a.m. today at the Masonic Cemetery in Orland. Robert, 86, died Aug. 17, 2008, in Chico.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1921, in Willows to Cecil and Fannie Maudel Costa. Robert graduated from Willows Senior High School in 1939. He married Marjorie May in 1942 and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Robert served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. from 1942 to 1946 as a crew chief on B-29 Bomber.

Bob was in the trucking business and retired as Managing Chief Dispatcher. He was a member of the Chico Elks Lodge, a volunteer fireman in Willows and a volunteer Deputy Sheriff in Chico. He was a licensed pilot and loved flying and also built and owned a “hart-top” race car which he raced throughout the North Valley. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home, boating, water skiing, hunting, and playing rummy with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Marjorie May Costa of Orland; sons, Robert Ray Costa Jr. of Orland, and Dan Edward Costa of Kalispell, Mont; daughter, Rebecca Jane O’Toole of Chico; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of F.D. Sweet & Son Mortuary in Orland.