Obituary of John "Jack" E. Cosgrove

JOHN E. COSGROVE Niskayuna- John Edward Cosgrove, of Niskayuna, died February 15, 2013, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, near the end of a Caribbean cruise. John - "Jack" to many - was born in Troy, NY, on June 19, 1932, to the late Raymond and Margaret Walsh Cosgrove. He graduated from LaSalle Institute, Troy, in 1950. Two years later he entered the DeLaSalle Order of Christian Brothers, intent on teaching, but withdrew in 1956 while studying at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at Siena College in 1967. His professional career in New York State government began with service in the Departments of Civil Service, Motor Vehicles, and Education from 1957 to 1964. Back in Civil Service in 1964, he rose through the ranks to Director of Administrative Analysis, and retired in 1990 as Director of Test Center Operations. With much still to offer, John became Director of Human Resources for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany until his second retirement in 1999. Well-traveled, with a love of learning and a spirit of adventure, and a wry sense of humor, he approached any subject, task or challenge with enthusiasm. In short: a great zest for life. From 2009 to present, he was on the Steering and Curriculum Committees at Union College Academy for Lifelong Learning (of which he was a prime exemplar). A member of the Benedicts Dance Group since 1997, he served as 2004-2005 co-president with his wife, Sylvia. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Sylvia Buteau Cosgrove; Rosemary (William) Nehill of Buffalo, cousin; Sean (Jennifer) Nehill of Boston, godson; Rosemary Cosgrove of Troy, sister-in-law; Edward (Ruth)Schultz of Troy, brother-in-law; William Nehill Jr. of Buffalo, second cousin; nephews Stephen Cosgrove of Troy, and Eric Schultz of Miramar, FL; as well as other nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; his aunt Emma Cosgrove, and his siblings: Deloris Stewart, Raymond, Edmund, and Margaret Schultz. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday February 26 from 4-7 pm at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham Jack's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday February 27 at 11:00 am at the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish (formerly St. Helen's), 1803 Union Street, Schenectady. Fr. Patrick Butler officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Organ Fund, 125 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12202; or Union College Academy for Lifelong Learning, 807 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308. For information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.