Manuel Joaquin Costa Jr.

Manuel Costa, 69, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 16, surrounded by his wife of 49 years, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandson. Manuel will be greatly missed and remembered by his loving family, friends, his former football players and students.
Manuel was born and raised in Tracy. He graduated from Tracy High School in 1969 and was a defensive lineman for the Tracy High Bulldogs during his four years there. After high school he continued to play football at Humboldt State and then at Hayward College. He was a faithful fan of the San Francisco 49ers and enjoyed working on his house or in his yard.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and his teaching credential in Special Education, he returned to the Tracy Unified School District as a middle school teacher. In 1977, he returned to Tracy High School coaching the defensive line alongside his former coach, Wayne Schneider. In 1995, he took over as head coach of the Varsity Bulldogs and was the Athletic Director at Tracy High for a short time. He also enjoyed coaching Track and Field at Tracy High for many years. Manuel not only influenced many athletes and students during his time at Tracy High School but felt that many of the athletes and students also impacted his life. He held many fond memories of his days at Tracy High School. To say he bleed green and gold would be an understatement.
In 2002, he earned, his Master’s Degree in Education at California State University of Stanislaus. After receiving his Master’s, he coached briefly at Modesto Junior College (1999 – 2003).
In 1971, he married, Patricia Bender, the love of his life. They have three beautiful daughters, Stephanie (Scott) Crawford, Robin (Bobby) Costa, and Amanda Costa all of Tracy. Together they have eight grandchildren and one great grandson.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Manuel and Mary F. Costa, who owned Costa and Fernandes Dairy and his Mother-In-Law, Katherine Ramsey all of Tracy and two Brother-In-Laws, Charles Bender of Lodi and James Ramsey of Tracy.
Visitation will be from 2 – 9 and a Rosary will begin at 6 pm at Fry’s Mortuary on Central Avenue in Tracy. Tuesday’s funeral will begin at 11 am at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Eaton Avenue in Tracy. Burial at Tracy Public Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations kindly be made in Manuel’s name to       St. Bernard’s Catholic Church or to St. Jude’s Hospital.

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