I am sad to read about Cosimo's passing.  I was sewing on my week off and thought about Cos; one of my most influential  life teachers.  

When I started in Kwantlen, I would run into alumni of the program and when they found out I was studying fashion at Kwantlen the first thing they would say was "Is Cos still there?! " 

At this time I hadn't had a course with Cosimo, so I hadn't understood what all the fuss was about.

In my second year I registered for drafting with Cos to understand why everyone asked about him.  I soon discovered he led every situation with kindness, patience, and empathy.  Drafting always remained my Achilles heel,  but Cos' class was among my favorites.  

Once I graduated, I found myself running into current students and asking them "Is Cos still there?"

Cosimo, you are still there in all our hearts and memories.  Thank you for the life masterclass.



I think of Cosimo often as he helped me make or finish  many of the clothes I wear.  It is still hard to believe he is gone.
Cosimo, I hope  wherever you, are there is lots of good Italian wine and food!

I studied under Cos at Kwantlen College. What a memorable time it was. Cos was a font of knowledge and he shared so generously. Thank you Cos for all you taught me. May you rest in peace. My deepest condolences to family and friends.

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of dear Cos. I was fortunate enough to of been a student of Cos at KPU for 4 yrs. He shared his fashion wisdom thru kindness, patience and with the utmost passion. There is now a whole generation of fashion / apparel people that has been blessed by him.  One such instance was when I ran out of time to complete my personal dress on grad show day and was going to opt to wear something else, Cos (like the silent superhero he was) came to the rescue and said, "No, I will finish your hem for you and bring to you at the show, you worked too hard." I wore it that night... thank you Cos, you will be missed. RIP Cosimo 💔💕

It was a pleasure to be one of Cos' students.  Thank you, Cos for your kindness and unconditional sharing your knowledge.  You've devoted all your life to fashion education and we are all honored to have you. Words cannot descript how depressed I am hearing that you've passed. I will always remember your goodwill and warmth.  You will always in my heat  and may you rest in peace in the better place. 

My heartfelt condolences to Cosimo's family, colleagues and students.  Cosimo kindly mentored me as both a student and instructor and I am most grateful to him for sharing his wisdom and passion for his craft.  Cosimo, you have left a lasting impression for so many and Meena and I wish you much comfort and peace.

Andhra Goundrey
Dean, Wilson School of Design, KPU  

I was a student of Cosimo for 4 years at Kwantlen. He taught me the first basics of sewing and ultimately almost everything I learned from him. I got in to an international Fashion university with Cosimo’s excellent reference of me, the experience changed the course of my career for the best. I’m forever grateful!  Thank you for everything.

I was a student of his when he started teaching in the old building! Many many nights he would stay and help us with our projects and despite him delclaring that he was going, he just stayed a little bit longer. Such a kind, gentlesoul and this is the one time I wished he would stay longer on earth. You did good, Cosimo, thank you for all the smiles and knowledge you have shared over the years! 

I knew Cosimo for over 50 years and he was one of the kindest and caring people I have known in my lifetime .  We would always celebrate the birthdays and holidays together . I would look forward to those days . I remember when I helped him buy his first rental property in New Westminster .  I was telling him that he should buy it as it was a good price . Now I am not sure how we got to this part of the conversation but his words of wisdom to me were..... Michael ,  sometimes it is better to have a bird in the hand than two in the bush . He lowered his offer and low and behold the offer was accepted . Dear Cosimo , I will miss the phone calls and are lunches together . Love Michael

I was a student of Cosimo. When I think about my time with him I remember his smile. He smiled so brightly. He was always so happy and his presences filled the room. He was wise, a man with few words that you always listened too. I’m so grateful to have know him and learned my craft from him. 

Cosimo was one of my dearest friend and colleague at Lasalle college and our coffee break time was very special. Even on some weekends we explore the Local coffee shop to have excuse to talk to each other. I will cherish your memories always Cosimo.


So sad to hear this news.

Cosimo.. we only crossed the path for a short time but he was so kind, so gentle, so loving and perfect that I can’t forget him. He was sick but he never lost his smile in front of his coworkers and students of LaSalle College Vancouver. 

I pray for his soul to rest with the angels. I pray for his family who are heartbroken. 

Such sad news! I had the honours of attending Cosimo’s classes at Kwantlen Polytechnic University from September 2002 to May 2006 that I graduated. It was hard not to fall in love with Cosimo’s gracious manners and down to earth character. His meticulous Italian artistry was a driving force for me and many other students to push ourselves even further! 
Cosimo, I will never forget your contagious smile and your unconditional love of sharing your knowledge❤️

My dear  friend  Cosimo, I will always remember your warm smile and words of encouragement. Rest in peace....

Cosimo was a true gentleman, faithful to the precision and mastery of the craft. As a Campus Director of LaSalle College Vancouver, it was a delight to work with him and observe how he inspired students to go above and beyond at the art of men’s tailoring. 

One memory I have of Cosimo is that even though his class was scheduled at 9AM- 3PM he would not allow any student to enter his class after 8:15AM. Despite his methodology, I never received a single complaint from a student for the many years I knew Cos. Generations of fashion designers from KPU and LCV still regard him and his teachings with the utmost respect. 

He was an incredible teacher and a friend and will be truly missed.

it is with love and fondness that I recall the time back in the 1980s when Cosimo first joined the Fashion Program at Kwantlen College  From the beginning we all new that he was special . His knowledge, skills and talent, which he generously shared with the students and faculty alike, was evident and contributed greatly to the development and successs of the Program. His charming personality and ability to remain calm at all times was invaluable in many awkward situations. 
 I am grateful for the many  years of loyalty and friendship  that he has given to me and my colleagues while  working and playing together as a team. I will miss you Cos. My Sincere Condolences go out to the Agostino family.
 Judy Hurley, Fashion Design Coordinator, Kwantlen College. 

I am so saddened to hear that Cosimo passed away. 
He was a very special teacher, friend, mentor .... He will be always in my heart 
May his soul be at peace.
He was a blessing in my life and I will miss him. 

Cos was a silent helper. When I was making blankets for the homeless, cos saw the amount of work needed to cut the fabric and he stopped immediately and started helping me. Evethough it was 9pm at night, eventhough he already had his coat on to go home. He saw what I was trying to do and took his coat off, took out the industrial cutter and began to lay out the fabric for me. He didn't want any credit, and he did have to stay to help but he did and he did so quietly, discreetly and without any recognition.  No matter how stressed, frazzled and chaotic az university student I was, the moment Cos said my name and tell me it's OK, a sense of calm would wash over me. He was more than a teacher but also a wise and protective figure. I am now a teacher my self and aspire to be as empathetic and dedicated as he once fostered my learning. Now may he rest in peace and protect those who he loves and watch everyone he loves in heaven. 

To my buddy, friend, older brother and workmate for over 50 Years. I will miss you, the conversations we have had, discussing the world and of course our students.
Over the last few years you had to put up with a lot of pain and frustrations. Your pain is gone, but ours is still with us.
You will be remembered for the rest of my life.
Rest in peace, 
Cheers, Eduardo

Cosimo has been a colleague and friend of mine since 1987.  We shared an Italian heritage and would occasionally get together at a fine Italian restaurant to celebrate a birthday, end of term, or following a fashion show, over a good red Italian wine and delicious Italian cuisine.  Interestingly, Cosimo would always insist on my letting him select the wine and food.  After we had both retired from  Kwantlen, it was great fun when Cosimo joined me at LaSalle College Vancouver for a few years where he taught men’s tailoring.  

As with the many Kwantlen fashion graduates who have shared their memories of Cosimo in this memorial, the LaSalle College students and faculty he worked with also deeply respected and admired him.  

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Cosimo’s family, past students and friends.   


Cosimo was a very special dear person. I was fortunate to work alongside him as a colleague, and couldn’t help but also become a friend. He was always an inspiration to me and he taught me so much. Cosimo was dedicated to his profession and his students, mentoring so many over the years.  He was extremely knowledgeable and a master at his craft. He had a wonderful way of sharing that knowledge in the most kind and nurturing way. He enjoyed watching his students blossom, and was so proud of them and their achievements. 
My heartfelt condolences to the Agostino family. 
I will miss you, dearest Cosimo. May you rest in peace.


To the Agostino Family

We are truly saddened by the news of Cosimo’s passing.   Our sincerest condolences to the family. 🙏

My condolences go out to the Agostino family.  I was one of his students and in the time I knew him I only saw kindness and patience from him.  He devoted so much of his time to teaching and will always be remembered. 

Cos was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed. He was a kind and caring person who would always make time for you.  I was fortunate to have Cos as a teacher and learned so much from him.  May you rest in peace Cos.  My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Cos’ family and friends.

My deepest condolences to Cos' Family and friends. I was so fortunate to have been his student. He was an amazing man and very patience. He has always been so kind to share his wisdom to me and have made me smile everytime I learn something new. There is no other like him. He was a great mentor and gone too soon. Thank you Cos for all you have given to us.

My deepest condolences to Cos’s family. It was my greatest fortune to be his student. He was a very kind, patient, and loving teacher who kept me interested in the art of pattern drafting. He was always there for students, and his encouragement kept me going and challenging myself throughout the school years and even after. Cos’s warm smile will always stay in my heart. Thank you so much Cos for all the love and support you had given. 🙏


I feel lucky to have been a student of Cosimo and to have learned from the sweetest master Italian tailor. What I came away with was so much more than drafting and sewing lessons but the belief that we can accomplish great things with love and dedication, such was the love and dedication that Cosimo had for his craft and for teaching. Thank you for sharing the gift of your passion and knowledge Cosimo. May you rest in peace. 

Cos was a mentor to me and all his students. He was such a kind and soft spoken man who always tried to encourage his students. In my graduating year he suggested that I challenge myself and make a tailored suit. He helped guide me through the process to make one of my most cherished pieces. He was always there to help and encouraged me to push myself to get better. I will miss him greatly as I am sure many others will as well. He certainly made his mark on this world. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. 

My condolences are with the Agostino family. I was also a student of Cos’s I have so many fond memories of Cosimo as my professor  but his smile is what I remember the most. 

Cosimo spent most of his work days in his classroom and then in the marking room.  He loved his students and teaching them to make what they imagined. His legacy lives in each grad’s work throughout the city and around the world. Wishing his family, friends and grads peace and comfort. 

When I think of Cos i think of a few specific interactions or moment in time. One moment in time was in Cos's grading class. It was the first day my class was learning about grading and we had a lot of questions. I remember he would go around the room a few times and he would stay with each student a short time to make sure he had time for everyone's questions. He would quickly understand our questions and efficiently help us see the solution. I remember he wouldn't just give us the answers. He would just help us make the connections so we could get there ourselves. I remember he was helping me with my problem and after a short interaction i had a lightbulb moment. He seemed to enjoy seeing my expression of "omg it got it". Cos was a great teacher and a very nice man. May he rest in peace. 

My deepest condolences to the Agostino family. I was Cos's student at Kwantlen. He was a great mentor and taught me so much about pattern drafting and tailoring. He always taught with patience and was so dedicated to sharing his knowledge with his students. He will truly be missed by many others. May his soul rest in peace.

I was lucky enough to share an office with Cosimo for many years and enjoyed sharing   knowledge as well as laughs with this wonderful Italian man. Sending sincere condolences to his family.


My deepest condolences to the family of Cosimo. Like so many, I was a student of his at Kwantlen. I will never forget his kind and gentle nature, teaching with precision and patience; an endless amount of patience! How sorely he will be missed by myself and countless others. Thank you Cosimo, I will never forget you or the life lessons you so graciously shared with me. We have all been so very lucky to have known you and be taught by you. 

I was Cos’s student at Kwantlen.  I remember he always had really high expectation when drafting patterns.  I really appreciated this because it has made me challenge myself more and more.  Even though he may be strict at times, he always carried a kind, cute unforgettable smile.  I’m truly glad to have met him.  My deepest condolences to his family.  Rest In Peace Cos.  

I was Cos’s student in kwantlen and later had the pleasure of being his co-worker in LaSalle. He was alway very patient and kind. I still remember his playful disappointment in me when I used a commercial pattern to make my graduation dress. I will never forget his dedication to his students. It’s hard to string words together now and memories are a bit all over the place. But I would always remind myself how I want to be as encouraging and patient of a teacher that Cos was. He was a role model to me. I am sorry for your family’s loss. 

OBITUARY

Cosimo Agostino

September 28, 1949 – May 25, 2021

Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel

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