NASHVILLE – Trevecca Nazarene University is honoring one of its most devoted supporters, servants, and athletic Hall of Fame members, Roger Costa. 
 
Roger passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, and while his presence will be deeply missed, his impact on Trojan Athletics—and on the lives of countless others—will be felt far beyond his time on earth.
 
Roger Wesley Costa, 83, was synonymous with Trevecca Nazarene University Athletics. A 1999 inductee into the Trevecca Athletics Hall of Fame in the category of Meritorious Service, Roger's relationship with Trevecca spanned his entire life. He attended Trevecca for elementary school, high school, and college, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biological science—an experience he often summarized simply and proudly: "Trevecca has been my life."
 
Roger's service to Trojan Athletics was both broad and deeply personal. As a student, he served as a member—and president—of the Trevecca Intramural Athletic Association, was active in the Christian Workers Association, and later gave leadership through two terms on the Alumni Association Board, including one term as president. His commitment to athletic support continued through service on the Trevecca Boosters Club Board, where he also served as president, helping lay the foundation for what would become today's Purple and White Club.
 
An original founder of the T-Club, Roger and his wife Carole remained faithful members throughout their lives and continued as season ticket holders and supporters long after its transition into the Purple and White Club. He also established an honorary scholarship fund to benefit Trevecca Athletics, ensuring opportunities for future student-athletes.
 
For 18 years, Roger served as the official basketball scorekeeper, a role he carried out as a volunteer with unmatched consistency and care.
 
Beyond that, he and Carole supported all Trojan athletic teams through personal presence, volunteer service, fundraising efforts, and hands-on work around athletic facilities—often helping save the university resources through their willingness to serve wherever needed.
 
The constant supporters of coaches, athletes, athletic directors, and staff. Whenever there was a need within Trojan Athletics, Roger would quietly step in to help.
 
Roger was frequently seen at Trevecca athletic events alongside family members, including sitting with his father, the Reverend Jerry Costa—another beloved figure within the Trevecca community—making their shared presence a familiar and meaningful part of the Trojan experience.
 
Beyond his incredible impact on Trevecca Athletics, Roger's greatest legacy is found in the lives he touched through faith, service, and compassion.
 
From Rogers Obituary (Full Obituary) Roger Wesley Costa, a lifelong believer and servant of Jesus Christ, met his Savior on Friday, January 2, 2026, leaving his loving wife of 58 years, Carole Allen Costa; daughter Pamela Renee Costa; sister Esther Costa Swink (Jeff); brother-in-law Rev. Tom Riley; sister-in-law Denise La Bella (John); niece Monique Sorice (Alex); and a host of friends.
 
Born on November 1, 1942, to Rev. Jerry and Mrs. Viola Costa in Louisville, Kentucky, Roger went on to teach middle school science for 30 years, earning Teacher of the Year honors in 1992 while serving hundreds of students in Metro Nashville Public Schools.
 
Roger was a faithful member of Nashville Blakemore Church of the Nazarene and, for the past 24 years, Nashville First Church of the Nazarene. He loved mission work, helping construct churches and schools in more than 35 countries around the world—often alongside his father—and was recently honored by Nashville First Church of the Nazarene for this service.
 
He enjoyed games, jokes, and pranks with friends and was known for his tender heart, compassion, and generosity. Together, Roger and Carole opened their home and hearts, lovingly "adopting" several children and grandchildren into their family.
 
Roger leaves a legacy of devotion to God, love for family, service to church and community, commitment to missions through action, and extraordinary loyalty to Trevecca Nazarene University. He was one of the "good ones," whose faith and service made Trojan Athletics—and the world—a better place.
 
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene, 510 Woodland Street, with visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens at 3:00 p.m. The service will be live-streamed at www.nfcn.org/watch.
 
Memorial gifts may be made to Trevecca Nazarene University, Costa/Swink Scholarship Fund, Hardy Alumni Building, 333 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37210.