Robert Bob daCosta

"The Greek word for "Freedom" is Eleuthera. Like all of life, freedom is a state of mind: if one's life is in a state of captivity, once released there is a joyous soaring of the spirit, a buoyancy, a lightness. A feeling of pure rapture." -Bob daCosta, on his painting "Eleuthera" Robert "Bob" daCosta, a beloved transcendental artist, philosopher, and visionary peacefully transitioned from this world on August 3rd 2020. He was surrounded by loved ones and the beauty of his art at his home in Leesburg, Virginia. Bob was 86 years old. Born on November 10th, 1933 in The Bronx, NY to two loving parents and one lucky older brother, Bob's light began to shine. His life was spent bringing beauty, peace and kindness to the universe he believed in. He was an original individual who lived his life fearlessly with unwavering optimism. By the 2nd grade Bob's art adorned the halls of his elementary school, his childhood home, and the wide eyes of those who already admired his young talent. Throughout his life Bob continued to create art in all forms. Through photography, painting, digital art and published writings he touched people's souls and spread the visions of his mind's eye. Bob felt one could persuade people visually through art and intellectually through publications. He believed the most important message in this world was that of creating, and even more difficult, maintaining peace. In order to convey this message he founded three long lasting international defense publications; "Countermeasures", "Defense Science 2000+", and "Aerospace and Defense Science". After 17 years, he felt he had contributed as much as he could to the understanding of the cost and futility of waging war. Bob ceased publishing as the Cold War began to thaw across Eastern Europe shortly after the Berlin Wall came down, in November of 1989. The years following were spent with his loved ones traveling the world, reading everything he could, creating art, and spreading the religion he lived by: Kindness. Bob was known to be a friend to all. He believed in loving and showing love to everyone and everything. He was fiercely intelligent. He lived by a simple credo embodied in the ancient Sanskrit word "Ahimsa". It means the avoidance of harm in thought or deed to any living thing. His mind lives on through the art and writings he created for all of us to learn from and enjoy. His most universally loved and perhaps the most recognized of his paintings is titled "Eleuthera" which means freedom. In a book about his art Bob wrote that "Freedom, like all of life, is a state of mind. And if one's life is a state of captivity of any sort, once released, there is a joyous soaring of the spirit, a buoyancy, a lightness, a feeling of pure rapture." Bob and his beloved wife Linda met in Florida and eventually resided in Vero Beach from 1991-2001, where he was involved for years in promoting the community's Atlantic Classical Orchestra. The couple then moved to Virginia where they have lived for nearly 20 years. He is survived by his wife and his three children, Dawn Koshar (Berryville, VA) and Douglas daCosta and Bret daCosta (both of whom live in Arizona), as well as five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He also leaves behind friends from every walk of life - friends who he considered family. For those interested in seeing his art work, please visit robertdacostavisions.com, and/or robertdacosta.com. One might note certain symbols in many of Bob's paintings - the sign of infinity, a lone bird in the sky, and religious icons. This is where we will hold Bob in our hearts, for infinity. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation in Bob's name be sent to: Treasure Coast Youth Symphony 1320 SE Federal Highway Suite 209 Stuart, Florida 34994