Gerald Peter Cosgrove

Gerald P.Cosgrove age 79, passed away peacefully at Holmes Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, October 21, 2009. Gerald was born in Fall River, MA on September 17, 1930. He grew up in Island Park in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and was the son of Franklyn and Mary Richards Cosgrove. He was one of 13 children. In 1990, he retired from Newport Electric Company and moved to Melbourne, Florida.Gerald dearly loved his wife and family. They meant the world to him and brought him great joy. In earlier years, Gerald enjoyed skiing with his family and friends at Okemo Mountain in Vermont. He was an avid card player and loved talking politics. He also enjoyed going to his grandchildrens games and events, bowling, gardening, walks on the beach and adventure. He was a history buff and liked keeping up on current events. Gerald was easy going and could strike up a conversation with anyone. His all time favorite thing to do; however; was just spending time with his family and laughing. He attended De LaSalle Academy and was most proud of his service to his country during the Korean War Conflict. He was a fearless paratrooper in the 101 Airborne Division where he was awarded numerous medals including the Purple Heart. He had a distinguished and dedicated 45 year career as a linemen at Newport Electric Company. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and Lions Club. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn Tennis Cosgrove Lynn: two siblings, Mary Mayes of Somerset, MA and Frank Cosgrove of Albany, CA; his children, Darlene Mackay, Geralyn Erickson and her husband Jay, Matthew Cosgrove and his wife Lesley, Nancy Smith and her husband Will, Debbie Cosgrove, Gerald EW Cosgrove and his wife Erin, Mark Cosgrove and his wife Eileen, Gary Cosgrove and his wife Danielli. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren; Willie and his wife Lacey, Ryan, Courtney, and Shannon Smith; John JJ and Michael Erickson; Rachael, Madelyn, Matthew and Micaela Cosgrove; Daniel, Ryan, Nicholas, and Kolby Cosgrove; Sarah, Brian, and Christopher Cosgrove and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Jennifer Henson in March 2009 and 10 of his siblings: Rita Costa, Helen Brooks, Mabel Durkin, Charlie Cosgrove, Walter Cosgrove, Geraldine his survived triplet Emerson, Kathleen Nolan, Jimmy Cosgrove, Ronnie Cosgrove, and infant Frank Cosgrove.Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8pm on Monday, October 26th at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport and a funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 27th at Saint Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road in Portsmouth at 11:30. He will be buried at Saint Columbas Cemetery, Browns Lane, Middletown, with Military Honors.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.