PORTLAND – William “Billy” Costa, 74, formerly of 1700 Broadway, South Portland, died Wednesday, Sept. 7, in Portland, with his longtime companion Jeannine Ferron, his “best female friend” Eleanor Lary O’Neil, nephew Nathan Costa, and brother Chris Costa by his side.

He was born June 20, 1931, in Yonkers, N.Y., a son of Andrew and Helen (Rogers) Costa. He was raised and educated in Yonkers. As a child, he discovered his ability to entertain with his singing starting at a young age.

He served in the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1954. While serving in the Army, he continued developing as a singer and entertainer.

After the service, he worked as a stand-up comic as an opening act on the East Coast.

In 1955, he made Portland his home after being booked as a singer at The Graymore Hotel. He spent 15 years doing one-night stands from Maine to Florida.

In 1961, he formed a trio that specialized in singing three-part harmony. The trio performed at The Victoria Hotel in Portland for a two-week engagement and stayed several years. He then went on to the Portlander Hotel playing drums and singing with Mal Lary and Bob Nelson.

He played several years at DiMillo’s Restaurant and several years at Valle’s, with Bob Baratta at the organ and Don Gordon on sax, alternating with the Al Doan Trio. He made his living for 40 years as a Portland musician, and gave generously of his time and talent to many charities. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends.

He is survived by his companion, Jeannine Ferron, of Lewiston; a son, Lawrence Costa of New Bedford, Mass.; a sister, Kathleen Gantt of Spokane, Wash.; two brothers, Christopher Costa of West Yarmouth, Mass., and David Costa and wife, Carmel, of East Falmouth, Mass.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Costa.

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