Higino Costa's Obituary
Popular Portuguese radio personality Higino Costa often quoted a Portuguese proverb, “N?o h? bem que sempre dura, nem mal que nunca acabe,” meaning there is nothing good that will last forever, nor bad that will never end. Best known for his optimism in the face of adversity and passionate advocacy of the Portuguese people, these qualities are what drove him at the age of 37 to leave a comfortable life in Madeira, Portugal and move his family of seven to America: a new continent, a new culture, a new language and a new beginning. In Madeira, in addition to being a respected journalist, he had been co-owner of a company that specialized in the ancient art of hand embroidery. His first job in the United States involved working with his hands, shaping metal into household products. He would come home exhausted, but also disappointed at the state of the Portuguese culture in Northern California. He decided to take action. His true mission began in 1962. At his own expense, he founded the radio program, “Amigos de Portugal,” broadcast initially from his converted garage in East Oakland, his wife at the controls and children answering calls from his faithful audience. For over thirty years, he became the recognized voice of the half million Portuguese-Americans residing in North and Central California. Eventually moving his program to several radio stations, unceasingly urging his listeners to always move forward, he disseminated the latest news, sports and music from the far reaches of the Portuguese-speaking world. He brought the Portuguese community together by organizing picnics and festivals. His legendary editorials, always supporting free expression and ideals, are still remembered by his peers. Keeping the Portuguese culture alive and helping others were his goals. In 1967, he founded and was later elected President of the Oakland-Funchal Sister City Program. He traveled to Hawaii and Canada as an ambassador of Portuguese folklore in California. During his many excursions to Portugal, he continued to fight for Portuguese immigrants’ rights regarding real estate, retirement and banking. To further support his large family, he founded the Higino Costa School of Immigration and Naturalization in 1968 to help the Portuguese people become U.S. citizens. As a teacher, he had an incredible success ratio, and his graduates, numbering over 20,000, are living proof of his dedication and perseverance. In January of 1998, the Portuguese government honored him with a gold medal at a special awards celebration with hundreds in attendance for his contributions to the Portuguese community: 30 years in radio, 30 years as a teacher, and to celebrate his 75th year of age. This past May, he was the only representative from the continent of North America selected by the Portuguese government to participate in the “Portuguese in the Heart” program. Sadly, this was his last journey to his native country, but as his dozens of letters to the other participants and government officials attest, he continued his passionate mission to improve the conditions of the immigrant while enthusiastically expounding the socioeconomic breakthroughs of modern-day Portugal. The country that he had left over 40 years ago was dramatically different from the one he experienced in his final visit. Even in retirement, due to his ability to cut through the governmental red tape that many immigrants face without legal counsel, many Portuguese people sought his advice, and he willingly and easily processed whatever documentation was needed. Shortly after his triumphant return from Portugal, he proudly announced that he had been elected President of his retirement community in Oakland for the second year in a row since arriving in 1999. ***** Mr. Costa passed away quietly on August 3rd at San Leandro Hospital due to an intracerebral hemorrhage. It was his wishes that his beloved family, friends, and colleagues celebrate his life rather than mourn his death. In lieu of a funeral, a memorial mass was conducted in Portuguese and English on Wednesday, August 29th at St. Leander Catholic Church in San Leandro. He is survived by five children — Roi Costa of Oakland, Jorge Costa of Belmont, Ana Costa and Paula Costa, both from Walnut Creek, and Yolanda Furtado, of Castro Valley – and 12 grandchildren. Donations in Higino Costa’s name should be sent to the following charity: Irmandade da Nossa Senhora de F?tima de San Leandro (CRFPC) Attention: Maria Cunha 1285 Hays St. San Leandro, CA 94577 The family is requesting friends and colleagues to write their memories of Higino Costa so that they can be preserved for posterity. Please send letters and photographs to the following address: Higino Costa Family 3081 North Main St., #32 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 or e-mail [email protected] CHAPEL OF THE CHIMES MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME – HAYWARD, CA 510-471-3363 “SERVICE OF MARKED DISTINCTION”
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