Bridge's Costa celebrates 100th birthday, receives special honor

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Like many others, Ernest and Josephine “Josie” Ricci’s lives have been enriched during the past two decades through their “fantastic friendship” with George Costa, who Sunday celebrated two milestones inside The Bridge at Cherry Hill in Johnston.

“Everyone here loves George!” exclaimed Executive Director Maryann Grace. “Today, George becomes the sixth centenarian that actually lives here at The Bridge.”

It was back on Feb. 16, 1920, that George Costa was born in Providence – and as Grace said Sunday, “George was still driving at age 99.”

The Riccis, meanwhile, heaped words upon a mighty man who was a truck driver for upwards of three decades and was a respected member of the Teamsters union during his career while driving for Nissen Bakery, which made the famous Wonder Bread.

“George was also one of best amateur golfers in Rhode Island during his younger years,” said Ernest Ricci, the former North Providence Police Chief who actually met his “beloved buddy” 20 years ago at a breakfast and along with his wife Josie has been looking out for George ever since. “He’s just a great, great man and we love him ever so much.”

Ricci recalled that special day two decades ago when he met Costa, who was wearing a hat featuring the word, “ROMEO,” and soon thereafter was wearing the same cap, courtesy of Costa.

“But those letters, ‘ROMEO,’ didn’t mean we were a group of lovers,” Ricci quipped. “In this case, our close-knit breakfast group was named ‘Retired Old Men Eating Out.’”

And the fun-filled group, as the former police chief noted, “provided post-professional friendships for men like George and myself. It was without question a special group.”

It was those “ROMEO” breakfasts, which were held at a restaurant in North Providence, that led to Ernest and Josie Ricci becoming caregivers for a man who Sunday was also rewarded for the greatest contribution he made during his 100 years, that being for what Ricci called “his great service to our country.”

That recognition came in form of a Certificate of Accomplishment, signed by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed.

“I’m honored to be here and present you this well-deserved Certificate of Accomplishment,” said John F. Kiernan III, Reed’s veterans and military liaison. “We are all proud of the service you gave to our great country.”

As Ricci later related while chatting with Kiernan, Costa operated an M-3 Stuart Tank in the U.S. Army 1st Armored Division under Gen. George Patton. After completing basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Costa was undergoing his advanced training at the Yakima Center at Fort Lewis in the state of Washington when Pearl Harbor was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941.

Costa enlisted in the U.S. Army on Sept. 8, 1941, and was discharged on Aug. 13, 1945. During his distinguished combat career, he served in battles against a German army led by Gen. Erwin Rommel in North Africa. He later served in Italy.

Sunday, Costa fielded queries that were much easier than his days as a combat tank operator.

For example, Grace asked the state’s newest centenarian: “Did you ever think you’d make it to 100?”

To which Costa replied, “I had no idea!”

Ernest Ricci and Kiernan asked about the secret to Costa’s longevity.

“It’s all about moderation,” Costa offered. “Even when I’m eating at home!”

On Sunday, Costa was the guest of honor for a marvelous meal. He received a happy birthday card, which featured a colorful balloon bouquet and read, “A special day is on the way, along with a special meal for your birthday!”

So later, George Costa and his “fantastic friends” Ernest and Josephine Ricci enjoyed one of executive chef Martin Carter’s classic creations of stuffed shells, lobster or filet mignon with baked potato and vegetables and of course, a special cake that simply read, “Happy 100th birthday George,” and later featured congratulations from a number of admirers for the state’s newest centenarian.

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