Joseph E. Cosgrove, Sr.

Joseph “Joe” E. Cosgrove, Sr., 93 years-old, peacefully passed to his eternal home having led a life filled with love by his wife, Margaret “Margie” T. (Fasl) Cosgrove who preceded him in death, and his family. Joe passed on September 21, 2025, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Joe was born to John and Kathleen (Moore) Cosgrove on January 26, 1932, in Kansas City, Missouri. The Cosgrove home was full of children: Kathleen, John Jr., Thelma, Mary, Vernonica, William, Joan, Josephine and Joe. The family values were deeply established as hard work, faith and family.

Joe married his Bishop Lillis high-school sweetheart, Margie, on February 3, 1951, and remained in a loving marriage for over 74 years until her passing in March 2025. This loving couple is survived by four children: Joseph Jr. (Dixie), Robert (pre-deceased by Joan), John (Kerry) and Mary Werth (Tim). In turn, there are nine grandchildren: Brook (Sarah), Jim, Chris, Tim, Robert Jr. (Victoria), Walker, Katie, Dr. Kelly (Conor) Cosgrove Raleigh, and Alexandra Werth, RN; and four great-grandchildren, Mae, Myla, Theodore and Hayden.

Joe began working at the age of ten delivering groceries and while in high school he worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company re-capping tires. In September 1951, Joe followed his father, mother and some siblings to begin working at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. He worked for 33 years with the “Telephone Company” until retirement in 1984. Joe held several positions with the company ranging from installer/repairment to management positions, including being promoted to “wire chief” (responsible for central office operations). One of his assignments was to supervise installation of pay telephones and other telecommunications equipment during the construction of Arrowhead Stadium. During his career Joe was transferred to several different assignments leading his family to live in St. Louis, Kirksville, Excelsior Springs, Kansas City, Overland Park and Prairie Village.

Nearly one year after their wedding, in 1952, Joe was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. His assignment ended up being in Tokyo, Japan and the young couple exchanged daily correspondence. Joe’s duty was serving as a cartographer. He earned several medals for his service, the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. In July 1954, he returned to Kansas City to resume married life and his telephone career. During his career, Joe attended night school at Rockhurst College on the G.I. Bill for several years, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Joe was a devout Catholic and often expressed the importance of his faith in his life. Joe and Margaret were regular Mass attendees at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, Leawood, Kansas and they prayed the Rosary daily together in recent years.

Joe will always be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, dad, and grandparent (affectionately called “Poppy” or “Pops”).

Joe’s dedication as a family man and his loving spirit will live on in his family and those that met him forever.

The visitation will begin at 9:30am, with a eulogy to be given at 10:25am by Joseph E. Cosgrove, Jr. to be followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am on Saturday, September 27th at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, Kansas. Services will be livestreamed and can be viewed at https://youtube.com/live/7LEmC2x_MI8?feature=share

Burial services will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Missouri.

The family expresses appreciation for the care and support provided by St. Joseph Medical Center and Monarch Hospice.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)

Finally, the family is grateful for the long and wonderful life that Joe enjoyed during his journey on this temporary home and now being reunited with his high school sweetheart in their forever love story.