William J. Costa, 79, of North Dartmouth, passed away Monday, Jan. 18 at Hathaway Manor in New Bedford surrounded by his family, after a brief illness. He was the husband of nearly 57 years, of Dolores A. (Guyon) Costa.

Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of the late George and Mary Josephine (Sylvia) Costa, he lived most of his life in the city before settling in North Dartmouth in 1980.

Bill served in the Marine Corp. Reserve during the 1950s and later worked at various area mills, starting at Aerovox, Fiber Leather and Alden Corrugated. He later worked for 17 years for the New Bedford School Department as a junior building custodian until his retirement in 1996.

Bill enjoyed cooking, woodworking, animals and fishing.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Dolores A. Patenaude and her husband Thomas E. Patenaude, Jr. and Deby Rezendes and her husband John all of New Bedford; two grandchildren, Dolores A. Fortunato and her husband Daniel of Acushnet and Thomas F. Patenaude, III and his wife Breanna of New Bedford; five great grandchildren, Gavin Ciarcia, Derek and Ryley Fortunato, Thomas F. Patenaude, IV and Emily Patenaude; and a Godchild, Ted LaPointe and his wife Jamie of Pensacola, Florida.

In accordance with his wishes he will be cremated and private arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an animal cause of your choice.