John Albert Cosgrove, Sr.
October 28, 1929 – January 19, 2020
Col John A. Cosgrove ,90, of Prince Frederick, MD, died on January 19, 2020 at the Burnett Calvert Hospice House.
He was born on October 28, 1929 to Michael and Florence Garetta Cosgrove in Brooklyn, New York. John graduated from Jamaica High School, attended New York University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1953.
He entered the Air Force on May 17, 1954 as a Second Lieutenant and rose to the rank of Colonel. While in the Air Force, he received the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Ribbon with Five Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He had assignments in Florida, Alabama, Colorado Springs, Ohio, France, Germany and several tours at the Pentagon. This is where he met his future bride Connie Lynn Bowen. They were married on 19 April 1975 at Trinity Church. They lived in Dayton, Ohio until July 1977 when they moved to Prince Frederick, MD where they made their permanent home. They had a son on 10 November 1977. John retired from the Air Force on February 29, 1980.
John loved boating and being on water. He was a member of Solomon’s Yacht Club and Corinthian Yacht Club over the years. He held the position of Commodore in both. He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary on July 15, 1987. During the 33 years in the Auxiliary, he performed safety patrols on the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. He was a boating safety instructor and a vessel safety examiner. John advanced to the elected position of District Rear Commodore.
His parents preceded him in death. Three daughters, Roberta Cosgrove Bullard (Richard) of Harrisonburg VA, Sharon Louise Boyd (Jay) of Bossier City, LA and Theresa Lynne Harris (Jerry) of Bonneau SC, and two sons Michael Whitfield Cosgrove (Liz) of Alexandria, VA and John Albert Cosgrove Jr (Cathy) of St. Leonard, MD survive him. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Sarah Mitchell (Mark), Carrie McMillan (Dave), Jeffrey Bullard (Katie), Emily Smith (Joel); Brandon Boyd (Gina), Brianne Wilson (Clint), Dr. Bryant Boyd (Amanda); Heather Tucker (Randall) Brian Harris (Tiffany); Michael Cosgrove Jr., Justin Cosgrove (Letitia), Jamie Cosgrove; Kaitlyn Cosgrove, and Wesley Cosgrove. Two step-grandchildren Angela Harris Neiderer (Justin) and Russell Harris (Alison) also survive him.
His great grandchildren are Jacob McMillan (Arianna), Joseph McMillan; Isla Smith; Chad Boyd, Brad Boyd; Boyd Wilson, Bennett Wilson, Callie Wilson; Ella Boyd, Elizabeth Boyd, Embree Boyd; Bryce Tucker, Blake Tucker; Sloan Harris; and Shawn Brownson.
Family will receive friends at Trinity Church on Sunday, January 26 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be on Monday, January 27 at Trinity Church at 1100 a.m.
Interment will be in Wesley Cemetery, Prince Frederick, MD.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Boyd, Bryant Boyd, Randall Tucker, Brian Harris, Wesley Cosgrove and Paul Amos.
Honorary pallbearers will be William Smith, Harry Scott, Dave Keyser, Ray Feller, Tom Hardisty, and Phil Wentz.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burnett Calvert Hospice House, Prince Frederick, MD or Trinity Church at 90 Church St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
Visitation
Sunday, January 26, 2020
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
&
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Services
- Funeral Service
Monday, January 27, 2020
11:00 AM
Condolences
Sort Comments
21 Jan 2020
1:13pm
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We will always remember him as a great leader in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Thanks for all the classes he taught, and his willingness to always help where ever he was needed! We have lots of good memories. May he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus. Connie and family….May your memories of a wonderful man keep your heart at peace. JOYE and RON HILLARD
City
California
State
Maryland
22 Jan 2020
1:46pm
I didn’t know John, personally. I know his wife Connie, professionally. In his loving Connie, you can understand who the man was by the person with whom he chose to share 44-years of marriage. I can only regret that I didn’t know him better. But, I’m blessed to know more of him, through Connie. John spent a career in the USAF, before championing the USCG-Auxiliary for many years. Comrade-in-arms, John, rest easy in those blue skies… TM CDR, USNR(Ret)
City
Great Mills
State
Maryland
22 Jan 2020
8:20pm
To the family of Colonel Cosgrove, please accept my sincere condolences for your lost. As a retired member of the Armed Forces of our nation I add my special thanks for his dedication to duty and a distinguished career in service to our nation.
As a current member of the Board of Commissioners in Calvert County we appreciate such commitment and are fortunate to have Colonel Cosgrove’s son as a member of county government.
Very respectfully,
Thomas E. “Tim” Hutchins and family
City
Barstow
State
Maryland
23 Jan 2020
9:12pm
John may not cast a physical shadow on this earth anymore, but he will forever live in the hearts of those who love him. Farewell dear John, thanks for the memories.
City
Winchester
State
VA
Sort Comments
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We will always remember him as a great leader in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Thanks for all the classes he taught, and his willingness to always help where ever he was needed! We have lots of good memories. May he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus. Connie and family….May your memories of a wonderful man keep your heart at peace. JOYE and RON HILLARD
I didn’t know John, personally. I know his wife Connie, professionally. In his loving Connie, you can understand who the man was by the person with whom he chose to share 44-years of marriage. I can only regret that I didn’t know him better. But, I’m blessed to know more of him, through Connie. John spent a career in the USAF, before championing the USCG-Auxiliary for many years. Comrade-in-arms, John, rest easy in those blue skies… TM CDR, USNR(Ret)
To the family of Colonel Cosgrove, please accept my sincere condolences for your lost. As a retired member of the Armed Forces of our nation I add my special thanks for his dedication to duty and a distinguished career in service to our nation.
As a current member of the Board of Commissioners in Calvert County we appreciate such commitment and are fortunate to have Colonel Cosgrove’s son as a member of county government.
Very respectfully,
Thomas E. “Tim” Hutchins and family
John may not cast a physical shadow on this earth anymore, but he will forever live in the hearts of those who love him. Farewell dear John, thanks for the memories.