John Cosgrove
October 27, 1949 - February 16, 2017
Obituary
COSGROVE, John R. of Saginaw, Michigan, formerly of Boulder, Colorado went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper. He was 67 years old. John Raymond Cosgrove on October 27, 1949 in Murphysboro, Illinois to the late William and Billie (Hagler) Cosgrove. He married Terri L. Gray on August 1, 1987; she survives him. He graduated from Boulder High with the Class of 1968. John earned his Bachelors of Arts in History and Education though the University of Colorado; he also played football for the Colorado Buffaloes and passionately followed them throughout his life. John taught and coached football at Neligh High School in Neligh, NE, at Texas A&I in Kingsville, TX, where he also earned his Masters in Education, at Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford, OK, at Arapahoe High School in Littleton, CO, at Woodland Park High School in Woodland Park, CO, at Dakota State University in Madison, SD, at Olivet College in Olivet, MI, and finally at Northwood University in Midland, MI. In his spare time, John enjoyed golfing, music, and trivia, but his true passion was coaching football. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Terri; three daughters: Barbara (Patrick) Dirrim, Elizabeth (Brian Ford) Cosgrove, and Merilee Cosgrove; 12 grandchildren: Jacob, Rachel, Ethan, Rebekah, Jonah, Ezra, Pablo, Toby, Nicholas, Trenton, Caden, and Mattie; two sisters: Carol (David) Wooley and Cindy (Dana) Bargell; two nieces: Cassidy and Delani Bargell; two brothers-in-law, Mark Gray and Gaylen Barry; father-in-law, Donald Barry; and cat, Bandit. John wished to thank his coaching peers and his football team members, both those he coached and played alongside, and his many friends. Honoring John's wishes, cremation has taken place and memorial services are planned for a later date in Boulder, Colorado. Memorial contributions may be given to an athletic association or charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
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randy friedrich
Other •
My deepest sympathy to all the family . Coach was with us at Texas A&I and always enjoyed his coaching . He and coach Jonas always had some great moments .
God's blessings to all .
Randy Friedrich
Texas A & I 1976-1979
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Fred Nuesch
Other •
All Javelina Nation joins in mourning the loss of one of its former coaches. John was at Texas A&I during one of the most successful periods in college football history. All Javelinas join in offering deepest sympathy to Terri and other members of his family.
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Dan Sutton
Other •
John was my linebacker coach at Texas A&I in 1977. Although his previous knee surgery (s) prevented him from straightening or bending his knee properly......it did not keep him from being a GREAT Coach. He really cared about his players.....not just the starters but all of his linebackers. He was fair and would help any of us. I learned a lot about football and most importantly life from John. RIP COACH. Dirty Dan Sutton
DC
Dave Carlson
Other •
John was always the kind upperclassman on the Boulder High team. As a brash and loud high school kid, I could always count on positive support and help from John. My thoughts are with your family. Dave Carlson
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Larkin Ryal
Other •
Very sad to hear about the loss of Coach Cosgrove. I was one of his starting defensive tackles in 1978 at Southwestern. Coach Cosgrove was so focused, intense, and competitive. He helped me become who I did. I liked him very much, and have thought of him often over the years.