April 20, 1945 – August 2, 2023
Jeffery Stephens Cost, a beloved husband, father, brother, and accomplished attorney, passed away on August 2, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born on April 20, 1945, in San Mateo, California, and lived the majority of his 78 years in the close-knit community of San Carlos.
Jeff is survived by his two sons Matt and Andy Cost from his first marriage and his wife of 37 years, Patrica Cost, and her son Jesse Robertson. Jeff was a dedicated and supportive father, coaching his sons in soccer and basketball. Later in life, he continued to share his passion for basketball by coaching at Central Middle School and St. Charles Elementary in San Carlos.
Jeff's legacy extends to his five grandchildren; Ben, Mary, Jack and Cora Cost, and Chase Robertson, who all brought immeasurable joy to his life. He cherished each moment spent with them and took great pride in their accomplishments. His love and guidance will forever be etched in their hearts.
Jeff is survived by one brother John and was preceded in death by his brother Jud in March of 2023. His third brother James passed just 12 days after Jeff's death.
Jeff attended San Carlos High School and went on to pursue his education at Santa Clara University, where he received both his undergraduate and law degrees. He dedicated his professional career to practicing criminal and family law in San Mateo County for more than 40 years. The majority of those years were spent working alongside his father, John Cost, where he established a respected family practice, with the support of his secretary of 37 years, Patty van der Schoor. Jeff's expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication made him an invaluable asset to his clients and a pillar of the legal community.
Jeff and Patrica shared a love for travel, with a special affection for the Lake Tahoe area. His childhood summers spent at the family cabin in Tamarack Pines created cherished memories that fueled his lifelong passion for the region. He took his last trip to Tahoe just months before he passed.
Apart from his professional and family life, Jeff had a deep love for Stanford University Football. This passion was instilled in him by his mother, Jean, who attended Stanford. As an avid fan and season ticket holder, Jeff spent many game days tailgating with family and friends.
Throughout his life, Jeff hosted a monthly poker night for a core group of friends, fostering deep connections and creating lasting memories. These gatherings were a testament to his warm and generous spirit, as well as his ability to bring people together.
In honor of Jeff's memory in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Hawaii Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund, Jeff and Patricia loved Hawaii and planned to visit in the future. Local donations can be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 22 at 11 a.m. at the Grad Bay Hotel in Redwood Shores. More information can be found at .
