Obituary of Francis Cosgrove

Francis “Bud” Cosgrove, age 85, of Rockville Centre, has gone home to be with the Lord, on February 6, 2024.

Bud was born in Brooklyn, NY and was the son of Francis and Helen Cosgrove.    

He is preceded in death by his sister Ann Marie “Mimi” Faulkner and  survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Suzanne Cosgrove, his 6 children, Michael Cosgrove (June),  Amy Sanderson (Bryan), Danny Cosgrove, Cindy McGarity (John), Brian Cosgrove (Donna) Katie Holst (Jon) and 11 grandchildren, Carter Cosgrove, Caroline Cosgrove, Molly Cosgrove, Kaylee Sanderson, Brady Sanderson, Emily McGarity, Jack McGarity, Shane Cosgrove, Adelaide Cosgrove, Reed Holst, Reagan Holst, Sister Cheryl Franzone (Pete), Brother In Laws Peter Faulkner (Debbie);  Herbert Bucholtz (Dee), Nieces and Nephews, Suzann, Peter, Douglas, Melissa, Shawn, Peter, Kristine and Jeanette.

Dad was a Vietnam era US Army Veteran, serving with the 269th Signal Company in Europe during the Berlin Wall Crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Dad achieved a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education and Physical Education from SUNY Brockport NY, and a Master of Arts Degree in Physical Education and Recreation Administration from Columbia University.

Dad had an extensive public service career in the recreation, parks and sports field, serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Recreation and Parks for 25 years, was responsible for the management and operations of Nassau County’s active parks system, and its comprehensive array of programs and services. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Long Island Marathon, and the 1984 International Games for the Physically Challenged Athletes of the world.  He also played a significant role in the planning, development and operations of the Mitchel Park Sports Complex, that has been an outstanding sports venue success since its opening day.

For many years he taught as an adjunct professor at LIU’s, CW Post campus in the Department of Health Care and Public Administration. He has also taught at Adelphi University, St. Joseph’s College and SUNY Farmingdale.

Bud and Suzie settled down and spent 54 years building a life in Rockville Centre.   He took great pride in his community, which led him to serve as a multi-term trustee for the village of Rockville Centre.  With great talent he enjoyed playing his 1 string hand crafted wash-tub bass with the well-known Park Ave Ragtime Jazz and Blues Society band.   This band was locally well known in RVC and for 15 yrs. he enjoyed bringing music to his community.   He was an enthusiastic athlete and became a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor and was the Director of Sportset’s renowned Total Wellness/Senior Fitness program in RVC. He had advanced credentials in balance and fall prevention training and was the creator of the Fall-Safe Program which was a comprehensive education and training program designed to prevent falls and/or mitigate the consequences of falls by older adults.  

The accomplishment that gave Dad the most pride was the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Annual Parade, which he co-founded in 1997.  He served on the Parade’s Executive Board for 10 years and had the amazing honor of being the 2011 Co-Grand Marshal marching with his good friend Joe Kelly. The Parade’s motto is the “PARADE THAT CARES AND SHARES”, which is something he embraced and encouraged others to live by.

Dad had time for everyone, always going out of his way to make sure that the needs of others came first.  He loved his family and valued his faith. He inspired his grandchildren and was so proud of each of them.   He was quick to smile and even quicker in lending a hand.  He would greet you with “How are You” and when the response by you was “Good, how are You” the instant follow up was “Better Now that I’ve Seen You.” A simple funny reply that in all honesty was true – your interaction made him feel better and he would make sure to pass those feelings onto the next person.

Dad would always ask you if you wanted to hear a joke. At that point you would giggle to yourself and when he was finished you smiled knowing he took great joy in telling it and making you laugh.

Just prior to his passing Dad was excited about taking the entire family for a Valentines Day dinner to a local restaurant as a “Thank You” for helping him and mom through the past year which included a move. In his honor, we will be gathering but it is us, his family who will be saying “Thank You Dad” for being the man you were and living a life that has impacted so many people in such a positive way. There may be an empty chair but our hearts are filled with happy memories as we bid a fond farewell to Francis “Bud” Dad – Forever the “ETERNAL OPTIMIST”.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Bud's name to https://rvcstpatrick.com/donation