The John I remember had a boundless love for his family, a generous heart, empathy for people and animals, a passion for enjoying the simple things in life, a love of the natural world, a high level of integrity and an endearing smile (which brought out those adorable dimples).  We lost a good one.

John's recent cat Nova (after Nova Scotia, one of his favourite places).  May you all travel time and space peacefully.

John's other cat Soda, who he had for almost 22yrs.

John and I would do "Cat  Chats" every once in a while...his cat Midnight.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Russell and Jenny,
May you see your father's smile on the faces of your children and know how much he loved you.
We will always treasure the many wonderful cottage memories.
With love and healing hugs,
Sue and Bob

This is a great action shot of Russell doing a flip off the inner tube! Jenny is on the left side floating and enjoying the entertainment.
John isn't in this photo but he was actively supervising while probably trying to choose the next activity. 

His love for his kids was absolutely awesome!

Unsure of the cottage activity John has us participating in but we appear to be on the volleyball court with pool noodles and ... is that a water balloon in Ian's hand?

Time for a group photo after
 soccer? 
dodge ball?
 ball tag? 
All of the above?

Love this photo with John's arm around Russell's shoulder. Nice to have a break after who knows how many sports John had the gang participating in.

John is at the far right having a great laugh.

John is in the top left of the photo sporting a wonderful smile!

John with auntie Jeannie, siblings and cousin at Mooney's Bay (1968?)

Jenny and Russell,
My condolences to you and your families.  I can say I knew you when you were both young ones, spending time with your dad at the cottage,
playing volleyball and sitting by the evening campfires.
John was one of the most solid and caring human beings I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, both in our OPS days and also in our personal lives.
Can anyone say “ BEACH VOLLEYBALL TIME”? Let’s set the net and lines in the sand at Mooney’s Bay after late watch. 
He’s in a good place now, at peace and continuing his watch over everyone he has ever cared about. That should keep him busy for the years to come.

My Brother John was unique and I often admired him.  His ability to go from serious to outright comedic.  He wasn’t afraid to stand out or be himself, his long hair in high school attested to that.  His athleticism, not only did he make numerous sports teams in high school, he made the football team and quarterback.

I have the greatest respect for my Brothers’ decision to serve on the Ottawa Police Service.  All first responders, those who put themselves in harms way to protect others, deserve our respect.  When John graduated and earned his way onto the OPS, I was proud of my big brother, his tenacity to succeed and moral fibre to serve.

Some of my musical tastes I owe to my big brother as his record collection I would often listen to.  Thank you for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and David Bowie.  Frank Zappa …. I’m still trying to understand his interest in Frank Zappa 😊.

His sense of humour was on a different frequency sometimes, reminding me of Monty Python which one could see John was influenced by, and including Frank Zappa, as he would often recite “The Muffin Man“.

His love for animals was profound, I envision he is surrounded by his cats, dogs and even that mouse he cried about when we were young.  

John is with Mom now, they are enjoying a drink, his cat is on his lap and they are watching Goldie play in Sheridans Rapids.

Rest in peace my Brother.

I will always remember the volleyball games at the cottage.

I have been reminded how short and fragile life really is. Losing someone we love brings that truth close. It makes every shared moment, every laugh, and every conversation feel all the more precious. 

What I have learned far too late is that we can’t make life longer, but we can make it meaningful. Be present. Care deeply.  Love each other fully and without conditions. That’s what endures when everything else fades. 
 
With love and sympathy,
Thomas and Chantal

Doug, Sherry and Cosenzo family.
With our deepest sympathy on the loss of John.
Keeping you all close in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynne and Alain 
Ottawa, ON

I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. We became good friends as classmates back in 1996 at the Ontario Police College, and in our time working at the Ottawa Police with John we shared many laughs! Rest in Peace John......

Sending sympathy and condolences. Gone too soon. John was much loved by his family. 
Fondly remember playing many card games at the cottage over the years.
Donation to be made to the First Responders Organization.

Aunt Judy and Kelly

My Mom, Sharon, John and Aunt Margaret.  I actually remember this day at Brewer Park, late 1960s.

One of my first memories with Aunt Judy (Cosenzo) & Aunt Margaret late 60s

With deepest sympathy on the passing of John.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  
Many hugs.
The Mandigos

I had the pleasure of working with John at the airport  and just want to say he was always there to support you when needed.Another good guy gone too soon and he will be missed by many.

I’m truly saddened to read of John’s passing. John and I worked together as patrol officers in  Ottawa, the Lowertown district. We faced many challenges together,  he was always a supportive and strong officer. He regularly spoke of his family with much joy and pleasure. He will be missed. Your friend Guy Mathieu.

It is rather appropriate that it is raining when I received this email today. There are never proper words to say at a time of loss to bring sufficient comfort to those who knew and loved John.   Although I never had a chance to work directly with John. I got to know him quite well as we frequently would pass each other at shift change at the old Patrol Desk at Elgin Street back in the 1990s.  We only had time for a few quick words but I will always remember his sharp wit and infectious smile.  Rest in peace my friend.

John, you were a solid officer, thank you.  So sorry you had to leave us so soon

My sincere condolences to the Cosenzo family,  to all of John’s friends and the many sworn and civilian members of OPS who had the honour of working with him. 

May you rest in peace John.

Stephanie Rathwell (OPS - Retired)

My deepest condolences to John’s family.  We worked together in the early 90’s. He had the best smile, a great sense of humor. He was such a gentleman and a sincere person.

My condolences to John’s family and friends. We shared much time during our careers with the Ottawa Police Service. Our time together was often accompanied by laughter and always professionalism. RIP my friend. You were respected and will be missed. 🙏🏻

I got to work with John for a few years when OPS took over policing at the airport in 1999.  
He was a very nice person and left an impression on people he met. John never shied away from work, he was tenacious and an excellent officer.  I am saddened by his passing.  I offer my sympathies to the family.

My deepest sympathies to the family of John.  Please know that he was a great police officer and that there were many good times and laughs shared by John- the City and colleagues were lucky to have him in our midst.  He has left you / us  far too soon.

I worked with John on " A" Platoon with Ottawa Police in the 1980s. He was a meticulous, friendly and effective police officer . My deepest condolences to his Family and Friends. Robert Aikens

I had the great pleasure of working with John for many years downtown.  I always admired his work ethic and his integrity, not to mention his dry sense of humour, which he displayed at my 50th birthday party.  Many people who met him that one time still remember him and ask about him.  He was a very good police officer, and very good person.  I know many who, like me, are saddened by his passing.

Dear Jennifer and Russell, 
Your Dad sure loved you both so much.  He was not just an amazing Father but an outstanding person and police officer.   We shared lots of fun times when I  babysat both of you many years ago.  ❤  Your Father was special in our lives too.  We mourn his loss and are thinking of you both.   Prayers and love,

Judy and Paul Laurin 🙏 ❤

Gone way to soon great father tojen and russel also you included scott and mark in sport activities epeciall at the cottage you were a pile of energy also enjoyed the competion of sports against each other golf volleyball and especially squash. proud to have you in my wedding extreamly happy when you became a police officer thank you for your service protecting ottawa love always your brother mike

I went to Police College with John. He was with Ottawa and I was  with Gloucester. There was many a time when our shifts overlapped that we met at  the city border for a coffee. In those early years we got our families together. John was a solid guy with a great sense of humour. Sadly, over the years, between life and the job, we drifted  apart, but I have great memories of times spent with John. His laugh was infectious.

My sincerest condolences to John’s family. May he rest in peace.

OBITUARY

John Cosenzo

20 July, 1961 – 27 October, 2025

Lahaie & Sullivan Cornwall Funeral Home - West Branch

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