Benjamin A. Cosgrove, Jr.
December 27, 1926 - September 8, 2006
Obituary
Benjamin A. Cosgrove, Jr. 79, of Seattle, Washington died peacefully at home on September 8, 2006 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Ben was born in Detroit, MI on December 27, 1926 to Benjamin, Sr. and Bernadette Lennon Cosgrove. He had one sister, Patricia Mary Stuart, who preceded him in death.
Ben served 44 successful years at The Boeing Company where he retired as Senior Vice President of Engineering for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. He continued his career in retirement as a consultant for a variety of companies, and also served as an advisor on several NASA Shuttle and Space Station committees. He received numerous awards throughout his career including the Ed Wells Technical Management Award, the National Aeronautics Association’s Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy and an honorary Doctorate in Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, his alma mater. He was a long time member of the National Academy of Engineering and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Ben was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was dedicated to helping others in his community. He loved swimming, traveling, parties and good food, especially chocolate bunnies. He had a great love for his family, God, and the Blessed Mother. His sense of humor was always present, creating wonderful memories and stories for many years to come.
Ben is survived by his wife, Virginia; five children, Terry Theresa Cosgrove, Tim Cosgrove, Ann Thoen, Patsy Rocky Goodhope, and Barbara Cosgrove Frank Yandrasits; ten grandchildren, Benjamin III and Trace Cosgrove, Joey and Tony Valela, Michelle and Nichole Mitchell, Eric and Bradley Yandrasits, Quinn and Megan Cosgrove; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin IV and Chloe Cosgrove.
Please join us for a celebration of his life beginning on Tuesday, September 12th – Rosary 4:00 pm and viewing 4:30 – 8:00 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Parker Chapel, 920 SW 146th Street, Burien, WA 206 244-2320. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, September 13th, at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 15236 – 21st Avenue SW, Burien, WA. An Irish wake will be held immediately following at Normandy Park Cove, 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive, Normandy Park, Washington. A private burial will be held on Thursday, September 14th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: University of Notre Dame Engineering Department, Notre Dame, IN or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA.
I thoroghly enjoyed, and highly value, the opportunities I had to work with Ben, and to socialize with Ben and Virginia. In my eyes, Ben was always a kind, gentle and fair man. He contributed much to many, and he will truly be missed.
My condolences to Virginia and the entire Cosgrove family. I am certain that the love and support the family provides one another is a great help to each at this difficult time.
Love,
Roy Phillips
Ann Thoen & The Cosgrove Family,
Your dad’s professional career was legendary, but pals in comparison to the legacy of five wonderful children. Carry his memory as you continue on without his earthly presence. He is certainly looking over you.
Prayers and condolences to the entire Cosgrove family.
gene & anna fioretti
Ben was the best of the best, he treated all as equals, gave every person his or her chance to excel at what they did best and assisted these people defining what it is so they too can contribute
Virginia he so loved and daily showed his devotion for his beautiful wife. What a balanced couple, a joy to be with, complemented each other so well and Virginia did keep Ben from deviation to far off path.
His family, he?s so proud of each and every member, never a bad word all were doing just what they are best suited.
Ben will be so missed, his quick thinking and contributions, however many of Ben?s contributions will live on forever. His management of engineering is legendary, a world class engineer, Ben is what an engineer dreams of being.
Ben contributed so much and he will never be gone, his accomplishments remain with the life blood of the contribution be made with people that are now the leaders of others. Where they were one Ben we have many with some of Ben?s thinking that remains and transferable to others.
I toast Ben Cosgrove, a God loving, caring person for family and fellow man. A TRUE Engineer, a Visionary, a devoted family man, no mater how much he had to do he took time for his family and always significant thought given to his university that he so dearly loved.
In conclusion I am sure Ben is moving forward ready to take on his next assignment. He will be ready to evaluate the various controlling parameters, making plans and taking charge on this next major assignment.
GOD BLESS BEN & BEN?S FAMILY
Barb,
My deepest sympathy.
With deep sympathy.
Our condolences and sympathy to the family. I remember when Ben became a supervisor at Boeing. He always had a smile and worked hard to make Boeing products better. Marvin and Rosemary Wehrman
Virginia,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Ben was such a wonderful gentleman
with a kind word for everyone. His contributions to Boeing will always be remembered. We shared many laughs and remembrances at the monthly lunches at Andy’s Diner. We will be at the Mass on Wednesday but unable to make the Irish Wake which we know will be a great celebration for one of God’s best.
I enjoyed working for Ben many years at Boeing. A great engineer and super person. My sincere sympathie to his family.
Barb and Frank,
I never met Ben. But he must have been a terrific man. The evidence is in his children. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike
Dear Virginia,
I don’t know if you remember me, but I worked in the library at Schick Shadel Hospital in the 1980’s when you were a counselor there. I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s recent death. I always appreciated your support and friendship at Schick Shadel. Please accept my sympathy for you and your family.
Great man, great personality, great talent. Will never be forgotten.
Vladimir
Virginia & family,
Our sincerest condolences on your loss, but Heaven’s gain. Ben’s stalwart faith was an inspiration- as was his good nature & ready smile. He will remain in our thoughts and prayers, as will your family. With love, Tim & Elaine Tobin
Dear Virginia and Family;
Our hearts go out to you. Ben will be missed dearly.We will remember his laughter, wit and never ending smile. May all of your great memories of him get you through this difficult time. God Bless all of you.
Love, Chris, Mike, Matt, Emily, Julia and Anna Nulty
Ben,
I only knew you as long as I have known Pat Shaw. You brought so much love and great mirth to Callahan, Reilly, Pat and me. The girls loved the visit we had in DC several years ago. We will miss you forever. Pat departs for WA tomorrow to be with you and yours.
Love,
Nicole
To Ben and the whole Cosgrove Family;
When we moved to Seattle in 1986, your family welcomed us with open arms and treated us as one of your own. We have especially fond memories of sharing the holidays with you, surrounded by your large and loving family.
Ben you always gave me a big bear-hug and made me feel so welcome and special. I will always be gratetful for your open arms and open heart.
To the rest of the Cosgrove family, you showed strength and maintained your humor throughout Ben’s illness. It’s how a family ought to be. Ben was as blessed to have you in his life as you were to have him in yours.
And now we celebrate his full life and are happy knowing his health and vigor are restored in Heaven. I hope when I die, he will greet me at the Gates with one of his bear-hugs.
All our love, Arlene, Chris, and the girls
To Ben’s Family,
Although we met only a few times, your relationship with my brother Keith, his wife Lou and their family was well known to us. Your friendship with them was an important part of their lives. May that friendship continue in a now different location. Our sympathy to you and may the Irish Wake be heard all the way back to Notre Dame.
Alan & Mary Lou Shaw
East Lansing, MI
A real gentleman and father. I admired Ben and know he’ll be missed by all
Ben was an admired neighbor as well as an admired Engineer at Boeing. We wish the family well.
George & Myrna
Memories of Ben center around
Sunday morning mass at St. Phil’s……..sorry to hear of his passing……may he rest in peace and joy.
Dave Segadelli
Terry,
I am sorry to hear about your dad. It is a hard process to go through. I just lost my dad two months ago. He was about the same age as your dad. It sounds like he was a great guy so I am sure you have many memories.
Crystal Alaniz
May our Lord watch over Ben on this next step in his journey… and may the Cosgrove family be comforted by the thoughts and prayers of your extended “family”.
Peace, Jack
I will miss you forever.
I am forever looking up.
Right here waiting.
“Oh, if a had wings like a dove, For than I would fly away and be at rest.”
I would go up with you antime.
Miss my buddy – but know that you are watching over all of us.