Parcourez la nécrologie de D’Costa
John March 1939
May 2024 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
D’Costa,
John
March 1939
–
May 2024
John Milagres Francis Xavier D’Costa was born in Nakuru, Kenya. Reminiscing about his childhood, he often shared stories of his long hikes with friends, some spanning as far as 100 miles. They embarked on these adventures with little more than the camaraderie between friends and whatever supplies they could scrounge, absorbing the wisdom of the locals along the way and sleeping beneath the brilliance of the African night sky.
As a young boy, his own teachers did not hold him in high regard, telling his parents that he would not amount to much. However, he defied their expectations. He emigrated to Canada with his wife Maura and two young sons, Brian and David, leaving behind a comfortable life and almost all their possessions. With just $300 in hand he arrived in Toronto, determined to provide better opportunities for his family and lay a solid foundation for his sons’ success.They settled in Ajax, where John accepted a teaching position at St. Bernadette’s Catholic School. Shortly after, John and Maura welcomed their third son, Michael.
John diligently worked to advance his career and provide the environment for his children to flourish. Above all, he instilled in his sons the value of a strong work ethic and the significance of setting goals. Despite long days at work, he pursued higher education, attending classes at York University at night to earn both his Bachelor of Arts degree and subsequently a Master’s Degree. Eventually, he became a principal at St Joseph’s, Our Lady of the Bay, and St Francis De Sales, dedicated to re-shaping school life both inside and outside the classroom. His innovative educational programs, well-received by teachers and parents alike, left a meaningful impact on participating students. Outside the classroom, his passion for sports, cultivated from his days playing high-level field hockey and soccer through college, found expression in school life with the ever popular «Friday lunch hour soccer with Mr. D’Costa». His commitment to enriching student life earned him a well deserved impromptu, loud, and lengthy standing ovation at his last school assembly at St. Francis De Sales prior to his retirement. John unequivocally proved his old teachers completely wrong. He not only amounted to something, but he also touched the lives of countless children, as evidenced by former students stopping him on the street even 30 years into retirement, just to say hello.
John was also wonderfully creative. His artwork graces the walls of many family members homes and his personalized messages in handwritten calligraphy on cards, books and other keepsakes have become treasured mementos for all who have received them. He penned several short stories, some which were published in various newspapers.A truly gifted storyteller, his twists and turns would culminate in an unpredictable ending that would leave his readers delightfully surprised.His creativity extended to his passion for baking, with each family member receiving their own personalized cookie. The «David and Sarah cookie» was even featured in the Toronto Star!
While his interest in hiking, sports, writing and baking may have waned over time, it was replaced by his role as a grandfather. Papa found delight in the company of his grandchildren Emilie, Eric, Samuel, Jordan, and Jake. Whether it was building a volcano, playing soccer, or just listening to their stories, Papa always felt enriched by their presence which kept him young at heart and truly happy.
Whether you called him Mr. D’Costa, John, Joa, Dad, Dada, or Papa, he touched us all with his love, generosity, support, and genuine care. He will be greatly missed and always fondly remembered.
Virtual Service: www.hdezwebcast.com/show/john-dcosta
Visitation Details: Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 11:00 am till time of Service in the Chapel at 1:00 pm at the Accettone Funeral Home, 384 Finley Avenue, Ajax.
Donation Details: Memorial Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society In Memory of John
Interment Details: Cremation
March 1939
May 2024
Décès pour la Ville:Ajax, Province: Ontario
avis deces D’Costa
John March 1939
May 2024
nécrologie D’Costa
John March 1939
May 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de D’Costa
John March 1939May 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.