Obituary of Edward Michael DeCosta

Edward Michael DeCosta, 60, of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away on August 4th, 2023. He was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather and friend. Ed was born on November 25th, 1962 to John and Mildred DeCosta in Boston, Massachusetts. He proudly grew up in Southie with his two younger brothers, Jimmy and Michael DeCosta. In 1977, he tragically lost his father, however later gained a step-father, Jim Horn, who was a tremendous influence throughout Ed's life. His early years were spent at the Bigelow School in South Boston. He received the honor of being accepted to the prestigious Boston Latin School in 7th grade. He graduated from Boston Latin School in 1981 and went on to study engineering at West Virginia University where he met his cherished wife, Linda. After graduating from WVU in 1986 with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, he started his career at Texas Instruments in Dallas, Texas, where he was quickly promoted to be a Project Manager of Corporate Development. While working at Texas Instruments, Ed also received his M.A. degree in International Management and MBA from the University of Texas. He went on to work as a Project Manager at nuclear power company Babcock & Wilcox in Lynchburg, Virginia. Later he was able to return home to Boston, working as the Marketing Director at Cognex Corporation where he traveled globally to dozens of countries. In 2003, Ed moved to Morgantown, WV and embarked on his first entrepreneurial endeavor by starting his own consulting firm, Catalyst Associates LLC, where he worked as an Executive Coach and Leadership Developer until his death. During this time, Ed became an ICF credentialed professional certified coach and developed the first Business Network International (BNI) chapter in Morgantown. He was hired as a faculty member and mentor of the Maxwell Leadership Team in 2010, where he delivered a variety of leadership and personal development programs to thousands of participants around the globe. During this time, Ed authored several books surrounding personal growth and leadership. He also served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, teaching undergraduate and MBA courses in Marketing, Leadership and Entrepreneurship at WVU's College of Business and Economics from 2003-2018. Ed's teachings have impacted thousands of students and entrepreneurs around the world. Ed adored his family. He frequently noted his greatest accomplishment to be his marriage to Linda in 1986. Together they had 3 wonderful children, David, Brian and Laura. He proudly coached all three children in soccer and looked forward to family vacations in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. In recent years, Ed became a grandfather to two boys who will always remember him as a superhero. Ed was a devout Catholic and active parishioner of St. Luke's Parish in Cheat Lake. He loved being a religious educator and teaching faith formation classes for children and young adults. There, he founded the Catholic Men's Fellowship (a.k.a "The Men's Group") that he looked forward to meeting with every week. Faith was a major pillar in Ed's life. Ed was a passionate Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox and Bruins. He was an avid follower of international soccer, and, along with hockey, played these sports into adulthood. Ed was preceded in death by his father, John DeCosta, his mother, Millie DeCosta, and his father-in-law, Thomas Lombardi. He is survived by beloved wife of 36 years, Linda DeCosta (Lombardi); his step-father Jim Horn; his mother-in-law Estelle Lombardi (Gardella); his children David (wife Emily), Brian and Laura DeCosta; grandchildren Vincent and Nathan DeCosta; his brothers Jimmy (wife Allie) and Michael (wife Dawn) DeCosta; many nieces and nephews whom he treasured; and, of course, his loyal chocolate Labrador, Stella. Friends and family will be received at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 19 Jo Glen Dr., Morgantown, on Thursday, August 10th from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the church on Friday, August 11th at 11:00 AM with Father John McDonough as celebrant. A private family entombment will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 19 Jo Glen Drive, Morgantown, WV 26508. Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.