Semion “Sam” Salvador LaCosta

Semion “Sam” Salvador LaCosta, Jr., died peacefully surrounded by family on Good Friday morning, March 30, 2018. Sam was born on May 7, 1942 in Stockton, California to Semion and Desederia “Lela” LaCosta (Mendez). Seeking adventure and opportunity, Sam loaded his family and belongings in a pick-up truck and moved to Alaska in 1984 eventually making Palmer his home. Sam enjoyed a long career with the State of Alaska, Airfield Maintenance, where his hard work moved him to a position of Supervisor. Sam was an integral part of the long tradition of making sure that the Anchorage International Airport never closed due to weather.

Sam enjoyed all that Alaska has to offer, often capturing the beauty of Alaska through the lens of his camera, winning several awards at the Alaska State Fair. Passionate about automobiles since his teen years in Pittsburg, California where he and his brothers built “cruisers”, Sam shared this love for automobiles, spending much of his free time crewing on the LaCosta Racing Team, keeping his son Corey and other drivers on the race track at North Star Speedway.

Until illness got in his way, Sam was active in his Christian faith at Palmer Highway Church of God. His belief in a resurrected Jesus gave him peace in both life and in death. In any circle of Sam’s life, he was known for his bright smile and never ending kindness; always encouraging forgiveness, patience and hope. Sam’s smile shined brightest during recent visits from his brother’s Phillip and David. He leaves behind a legacy of love and respect for others. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Richard and daughter Stephanie. Sam is survived by his five children, Angela Houston, Lisa Smedley, Janet Cruz, Corey LaCosta and Robert LaCosta and many grandchildren; his two brothers, Phillip LaCosta and David LaCosta. Sam will be honored in a burial ceremony at the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery on April 7, 2018 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc., 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, Georgia 30047 or online at www.lbda.org/donate. Arrangements cared for by Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home.