Condolence: William J. Cosgrove January 20, 1924 ~ May 29, 2017 • Strong Man of Strong Faith • Proud American • Decorated Air Force Veteran • Devoted Husband • Firm Believer in Putting Family First • Trusted Colleague • Loyal Friend Always Remembered ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Always Loved

Condolence: A tribute to William J. Cosgrove as read at his funeral on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 I have asked Father Rick to read this tribute to my father. It’s written in the present tense because I truly believe that Dad is still with us, just in a different way. I would read the tribute myself, but at times like this I get misty. Dad does, too. I think it’s the sentimental side of our Irish heritage. Because of Mom, I’m Slavish and Irish. Dad, however, is Irish through and through. From his quick wit and keen intelligence to the twinkle in his eye and the radiance of his smile. Dad was born 93 years ago to William and Jeanette Cosgrove, both of whom were of Irish descent. They instilled in him and his younger brother a deep love of God, family and country. From his parents, Dad also inherited a lilting singing voice and learned a repertoire of delightful Irish ditties. Dad was born, raised and spent virtually all his life right here in Rockville. There’s no place in the world he’d rather be. He’s always loved the Tower on Fox Hill, Central Park, the boardwalk that once graced the downtown area and, most especially, this church. Growing up, Dad lived just a few blocks away from St. Bernard’s. His fond memories of the church date back to childhood and continue through old age. Dad remembers walking to Mass with his mother in the predawn hours when he was scheduled to serve as an altar boy. He reminisces about kneeling before the Communion rail. And Dad takes pride in being a second-generation graduate of St. Bernard School. I feel as though I know Dad’s favorite teacher because I’ve heard about her so many times. Sister Dionysius was a young nun who taught seventh grade at St. Bernard’s. She won the hearts of her students by playing basketball with the boys on the playground during recess. That was unheard of, and maybe even unpopular with her superiors, in 1936! Dad has met many nuns before and after Sister Dionysius, but none impressed or influenced him quite so much. At the end of the school year, Sister presented Dad with an award for scholastic excellence. On the plaque is a prayer that extols the virtues of honesty, hard work, kindness and generosity. Dad adopted these as words to live by and, to this day, the award is displayed in his home. Personally, I’ve never attended St. Bernard School and I’ve been to Mass at many Catholic churches. In fact, I’ve often chided Dad that going to another Catholic Church is not the same as “leaving the faith.” But to Dad, St. Bernard’s was and always will be his spiritual home on earth. Dad went on to graduate from St. Bernard School in 1937 and from Rockville High School in 1941. In 1943, at the height of World War II, Dad left his hometown to serve in the United States Air Force, flying 34 missions over Europe as a radio operator/gunner on a B-17. That had to be a daunting experience for a young man of 19, but I never heard Dad complain. To him, it’s an honor to serve your country. After Dad’s tour of duty, he returned to Rockville and met Mom. Fans of the Big Band music of their generation, they were introduced at a dance in Hartford and have been life partners ever since. On June 5, 1948, 69 years ago yesterday, the two were married. Over the years, Dad worked as a mail clerk, construction laborer, plumber’s helper and office manager, but the roles he cherished most were those of husband and father. For both Dad and Mom, life has always revolved around their family, which, as you all know, includes four children and four grandchildren. Ever since I can remember, my parents have called each other “Mom” and “Dad,” not “Ann” and “Bill.” To me, this exemplifies the selfless dedication they have to their children. In 2013, Mom passed away and was apart from Dad for the first time in more than 65 years. On the day of her funeral, he whispered in her ear, “I hope I’ll join you soon.” Now, a match made in heaven is reunited in heaven. May they rejoice in being together forever and know how much we, who are left behind, love and miss them.