Robert J. Costa, age 70, of Pepperell, formerly of Concord, died on Monday, March 12, 2018 at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital in Haverhill following an extended illness. He was the devoted husband for 41 years of Jean A. (Wilkinson) Costa. He was born in Medford on March 10, 1948 to his late parents, Julius and Clementine (Monti) Costa. He spent his early years residing in Somerville, before his family moved to Concord. He completed his studies at Concord-Carlisle High School, where he was an enthusiastic member of the hockey team, and graduated with the class of 1967. A proud Navy veteran, Mr. Costa served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Independence and the USS Raleigh. He was discharged in 1970, and earned the National Defense Service Medal. At an early age, he learned the plumbing trade from his father, and for nearly fifty years, owned and operated Robert J. Costa and Son, Inc. Mr. Costa was a former member of the Concord Elks, a fifteen year coach with Concord Youth Hockey, and a longtime member of Nashoba Sportsman's Club. He continued close friendships with several high school friends, and cherished the occasions when they would gather for breakfast or other events to catch up. Besides his wife, he leaves behind three children, Lisa M. Lewis and her husband Jeff of Littleton, John R. Costa and his wife Colleen of Chelmsford, and Julie A. Gavin and her husband Michael of Pepperell, ten grandchildren, two sisters, Patricia A. Costa and her partner Rosolivia Leal of Concord and Theresa M. Gray and her husband Charlie of Warner Robins, GA, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and friends. Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Thursday, March 15th from 4 to 8 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. Officers of the United States Navy will recognize his honorable service by rendering military honors at 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or to the Veterans Administration Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.