It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerard "Gerry" Costa. Born April 1, 1943, to Gloria and Salvator Costa, Gerry left us too soon on March 24, 2024. He was a devoted father, a loving husband, and a principled man, never pretentious. Gerry was a graduate of Forest Hills High School, Queens, NY, in 1960.

Gerry  joined the Navy in 1961 and served until 1964. His love for the skies led him to earn his pilot's license in 1966, and he joined Trans World Airlines (TWA) the same year. In May 1985, Gery was promoted to Captain followed by a promotion to Check Captain in 1988. Throughout his career, he served with several airlines, including All Nippon Airways (1992), EVA Air (1995), and Hokkaido International Airlines (1999). He lived in Asia for 12 years, based in Tokyo, Taipei and Kamakura. Gerry was a highly regarded commercial airline pilot and instructor on the B-767, amassing friends all over the world. After retirement in 2012, Gerry and Helga moved to Hilton Head Island, SC.

Gerry married his beloved wife, Helga Costa, in 1968. The couple was blessed with their daughters Danielle and Lisa Costa, and Gerry was a proud father-in-law to DC Looney and Olivier Dumont. Gerard's joy multiplied with the arrival of his granddaughters Émilie Costa-Dumont and Natalie Costa-Looney. His brother, Steven Costa, survives him. 

He was passionate about food, and a very talented chef of world cuisine. He travelled the world, and had flown to countries in every continent, and he loved photography and aviation. He enjoyed softball and bicycling, and tennis and skiing when he was younger. Gerry's charisma was evident in his conventional sophistication – he had the ability to have a conversation with anyone.

Gerry always believed in the importance of situational awareness, both in time and space, and where you are in life. He carried this belief throughout his life and shared it as one of his greatest lessons. Gerry will be lovingly remembered for his dedication to his family and his distinguished career in aviation. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.

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