Cosmo James Recuparo, Jr.

Cosmo “Rick” Recuparo was born on April 20, 1942 in Syracuse, New York to Cosmo and Mary Recuparo. He lived a life defined by service, devotion to family, and kindness to all who knew him.

Cosmo proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963. After returning home, he met the love of his life, Antonette “Toni” Albanese. They were married in June 1964 and together raised four children, building a strong and loving family that remained the center of his life.

He worked for General Motors for 30 years before retiring and relocating to Tucson, Arizona. Cosmo continued working as a bus driver for Arizona schools for 10 years, followed by three years as a security guard at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base.

Above all else, Cosmo enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His hobbies included bingo, playing cards, fishing,  woodworking, taking a snooze and apparel design. He was deeply involved in his community, serving for several years as Commander of the American Legion Post 73, and was a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus-Council 191 for 33 years. He also volunteered regularly at the VA, continuing his lifelong commitment to fellow veterans.

Cosmo was a devoted and loving husband, father, Papa, brother, and friend — a genuinely kind person whose presence made others feel welcome and valued. He is now reunited in heaven and playing cards with his brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, son-in-law, and granddaughter. He will be deeply missed by the family and friends who remain and will forever live on in their hearts.

Cosmo is predeceased by his parents Mary and Cosmo Recuparo, granddaughter Stephanie Craig and son-in-law Ethan Yonkers.

He is survived by his loving wife Antonette "Toni" (Albanese) Recuparo, daughters Tina Craig, Debra (Mark) Balta, Karen (James) Yonkers-Santy, and son Cosmo (Erin) Recuparo. Grandchildren Andrew Balta, Brian (Delia) Craig, Cortney (Jonathan) VanOrden, David (Maria) Craig, Nicholas Balta, Jenna (Recuparo) Borrego, Maxwell Yonkers, Samuel Yonkers, Cosmo A. Recuparo, Aristarchus Recuparo, Izzabella Recuparo, nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at The Elks Lodge 4684 N. Highway Dr., Tucson, AZ from 12:00-4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either:

Pima Animal Care Center 4000 N. Silverbell Rd, Tucson AZ 85745

or

The American Legion Post 73, 7959 N. Thornydale Rd., PO Box 91594 Tucson, AZ 85741.