Jerry L. Cosgrove passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Throughout the weekend, he was surrounded by his immediate family, who found comfort in the kinship of gathering, and the multitude of shared memories that spoke of a life well lived by a great man. A courageous entrepreneur, and a successful businessman, Jerry was foremost a generous caretaker of his family.
Born on June 18, 1938 in Petoskey, Michigan to Jenna (née Crowley) and Earl R. Cosgrove, he was raised in Lansing, Michigan, attending Resurrection Catholic School for 12 years. In 1957, when he was 19, he met his future wife, Mary Meyer, at the Palomar Roller Rink, a destination favored by the young people of both Lansing and East Lansing. They were married on January 17, 1959 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing, Michigan. Soon after they started their family, having a daughter and three sons. They first settled in Lansing for several years before they moved to Detroit in 1963.
As a talented illustrator, Jerry began his career at a commercial design studio in Lansing, Michigan. Later, he moved to Detroit to work at an agency specializing in the auto industry, ultimately launching his own studio. In 1970, he made the decision to leave his successful business, and moved his young family to New York City where he established a versatile design agency, Cosgrove Associates. He actually became a conduit and mentor for talent who sought to emulate his move from Michigan to Manhattan. As a visionary business owner who recognized a broader opportunity in New York, he also consistently navigated the evolution of his industry, thereby positioning himself at the forefront of technology in design. Included among his important and leading clients were Xerox, IBM, Reader’s Digest, FAO Schwarz, Citibank, and Visa among a myriad of others.
Cosgrove was a lover of New York City, and relished the pace and energy of his surroundings. Among his favorite watering holes was Elaine’s, where he spent time with colleagues and friends as a welcome patron. He was a contributing artist and a longtime member of The Society of Illustrators.
Jerry served as a youth sports coach for all three of his sons (football, basketball, baseball), and was appreciated by both his own children and their friends.
In one reflection about Jerry, a friend commented, “amid the many fine parents of my Edgemont years, and among all the dads of the day, Jerry C. really stood out.”
Along with his wife Mary, Jerry was a decades long member of Fox Meadow Tennis Club, and a tennis and paddle enthusiast.
The Cosgroves have lived in Edgemont, New York for more than 50 years, and thrived in the company of many fine friends.
One of the great family legacies that was sponsored by Jerry and Mary Cosgrove was known as the Surv-n-Surf, an annual summer badminton competition for friends and family that took on a surprisingly professional bent. It was a rare combination of hosts providing an understated luxury for their guests, partnered with simple and pure family fun. Friends and relatives came from around the country to attend, and Jerry’s grandchildren will state that it is one of the central experiences of their lives. It was a weekend that was more than a yearly get together, and in fact fostered lessons of acceptance and inclusion, encouraged fierce competition, and championed fair play and gracious behavior. No matter the number of years that pass, the Surv-n-Surf will remain as a storied event in the Cosgrove family’s shared experience.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Cosgrove (née Meyer) and their four children: Tracey Cosgrove (Mark McKinney), Todd Cosgrove (Kimberly Jones Cosgrove), Scott Cosgrove, and PJ Cosgrove (Jennifer Weber Cosgrove), 8 grandchildren: Marla Barker, Justin Cosgrove (Erica Fitzpatrick Cosgrove), Charlotte Cosgrove (Craig Reimer), Macklin Cosgrove, Margot Cosgrove, Patrick Cosgrove, Grace Cosgrove, and Mickey Cosgrove, and one great grandson, Carlisle William Cosgrove. He is also survived by his brother, Patrick Cosgrove (Patricia Cosgrove), and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his older brother, Michael.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Jerry’s name. A celebration of Jerry Cosgrove’s life will occur on Sunday, June 6, from l:00 to 4:00 at the Cosgrove home, 50 Popham Road, Scarsdale, New York.
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