Antonio Costa

North Reading – Mr. Antonio "Tony" Costa passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at the Royal Meadow View Center in North Reading. He was 81.

Tony was born in Cardinale, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy on March 7, 1936, son of the late Salvatore and Isabella (Mantello) Costa of Italy and brother of the late Caterina Russomano of Italy. He came to the United States after having lived for a time in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He had also resided in Malden, New York, Woburn, and Waltham.

Tony wore many hats some of which were an industrial construction worker, Canadian flags manufacturing, and owner of several businesses. His biggest passion was being an original co-owner/chef of the renowned Mamma Maria Restaurant in Boston's North End. Tony was also an avid gardener . His yearly lush gardens would include as many as 200 tomato plants and a large variety of vegetables and herbs. Tony also enjoyed the craft of making wine, cheese, limoncello, and Calabrese bread.

He is survived by his daughters Maria Martin, Joanne White, and Isabella Costa; his brother Frank Costa of NY; his sister Giuseppina Nistico of Italy; eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, many nieces/nephews and friends.

Family and friends will honor and remember Tony's life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter Of The Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, 250 High Street, Waltham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or online at www.alz.org