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Richard Cosgrove Obituary

RICHARD THOMAS COSGROVE Loving husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away at his home on Monday August 1st. Dick was born in Oakland in 1931, was a longtime Oakland resident, more recently residing in Graegle, CA. Dick was preceded in death by his parents Andrew & Florence. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorene, and their eight children Linda, Kathy Mitchell (Brian), Jody May (Rick), Nancy Marcus (Alan), Andy, Matt (Michelle), Patty Stanten (Russell) and Daniel. Dick is survived by his sisters Catherine, Andrea Morse (Mike) and his brother Daniel (Narcissus), and 19 grandchildren. Dick's family was the center of his life and his quick wit and good nature will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Dick graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Alameda ankd had successful careers with Dennis Uniform Co. and Ford Wholesale Company. He was an avid golfer and sports fan all his life. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation from 4 to 8 pm on Thursday (today) at St. Jarlath Catholic Church, Fruitvale Ave. at Pleasant St. Oakland, with recitation of the Rosary at 7pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday Aug. 4 at 1:00pm in St. Jarlath Church. The Funeral Liturgy will conclude at the Church. Memorials preferred to Graegle Lions Club, P.O. Box 1045, Graegle CA 96103 Cooper's Chapel 533-4114

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by ANG Newspapers on Aug. 3, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cosgrove

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Gerald Lane

February 8, 2024

Dear Cosgrove Family,

This is a "lot" and so late (18 years!) but I worked for Dennis Uniform Manufacturing in the 1970´s. Dick was the boss. We spent many hours inventorying the shirts, skirts, culotte´s and corduroy pants (!!!) in the loft of the building on Valencia. I was on the Bart train everyday after school (from Riordan) making sure I got a couple of hours stocking the shelves and crawling in that warm (!) loft trying to find 30 x 28 salt and pepper cords, etc. while the ladies on the floor room were yelling for a large girls white cotton shirt or a boys green wool v-neck sweater... yikes!

What I remember was the wonderful man and person Mr. Cosgrove was to me. My Dad knew Dick and that lead to me working with Dennis Uniform for a few years as a stock boy when I first started as a high school freshman. During the time I was there, I met some of his family and while I am sure they won´t remember me, Dick and his family had a profound impact on me. They were caring, had a great sense of humor and put up with this snot nosed kid. This was the first "real" job I had. Given the minimum wage at that time, I always thought I was rich every time I got a paycheck. Duh!

The reason I am sharing on this site is that I have worked in Catholic Education for the last 45 years. Having the Dennis Company background and the experience of Dick (and the ladies) on Valencia in the City taught me so many life long lessons, not the least of which was to have a great work ethic and to appreciate the people you get to work with!

I know this is out of left field but my wife is a Principal at a Catholic School in Sacramento and Dennis Uniform came up in a conversation lately, and I said, proudly (!), that "I worked for that company as my very first job." So while I appreciate the company, the real reason I´m sharing is because of Dick and the ladies I got to work with and the memories of a first job that was difficult at times (so hot in that loft space with all those wool clothes!) but so rewarding.

I´m sorry I missed Dick´s passing and I pray for the whole family!

Thank you for allowing me to share my reflections on a pretty special guy!

Gerry Lane

Judy and Ed Meagher

August 28, 2006

To all the family - Ed and I think of all of you and especially Dick everyday. I loved your dad so much and I know that he is certainly missed by all of you. We remember the first time we met all of you when you had a slumber party at your parents house in Blairsden. You are all very special and I know that Doreen is now in terrific hands.

Kathleen Nagle

August 9, 2006

Mr. Cosgrove,



I will miss your wonderful sense of humor and spending time with you and Andy on the golf course. To this day I still move the tee box markers and smile when I think about you teaching me that cheat, I mean trick. You were like a father to me and I loved you with all my heart. We miss you so very much.

Love, The Nagles

Kathleen Jordan

August 5, 2006

Dear Andrea,

Your brother, Dick, was one of my brother's best friends in high school. My brother's name was Bob Cree. Of course, I remember the Cosgrove family from my time at St. Cyril's and HNC. Cathy Mead is my best friend. Andrea, I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Cathy would always talk about Dick and Doreen. I haven't seen you for many years but always remember the good times that we had. So please accept my deepest sympathy.

Sincerely, Kathi Cummings-Jordan

Jerry & Janet Buscemi

August 4, 2006

We shall always remember the great times spent with Dick and Dorene, our next door neighbors on Brighton Avenue for 10 years. As times goes by we sometimes don't see each other often,keeping in touch by phone or Christmas cards. It is hard to say goodby to such a great neighbor and friend. Our prayers are with Dorene, all the children and family.

Lettie G Biederman-Sewell

August 4, 2006

I knew the Cosgrove family from my

childhood. We were neighbors and also attended St Cyril's together. Dick was one of my cousin, Bob Cree's friend. Blessings for his family.

Clarence N. Cooper Mortuary

August 3, 2006

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Judy Meagher

August 3, 2006

Dick - thanks for being a friend and confidant during our few years in Graeagle. You will be missed terribly by Ed and I. Our love and thoughts are with all of you who Dick has left behind. We love you.

Joe Peters and Becky Swafford

August 3, 2006

Andy and Julie:



We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Kevin Wiley

August 3, 2006

You are in our thoughts and prayers

Brenda McMeans

August 3, 2006

I was looking forward to meeting your Dad next month. I wish you all peace during this incredibly difficult time.

Shawn & Michele Morris

August 3, 2006

Wishing you peace and comfort during this time, and joy in the special memories you will always have.

Ed Meagher

August 3, 2006

Rest in peace Richard. God knows that you are deserving. We will miss you terribly.

Paul Buscemi

August 3, 2006

Dick will always be Mr. Cosgrove to me. The hard working, straight talking leader of the Cosgove family. I didn't see Dick much after my childhood time in Oakland. However, I have cherished memories of growing up next door to the Cosgroves and my lifelong friend Matt. I remember as a kid watching "Mr. Cosgrove" loading or unloading uniforms into that giant Ford Van. I remember him tending that fireplace in their Brighton Ave. home. And I remember him barbecuing in the back or out in front with the other adults on a hot summer night watching us kids play. For me I will always see Dick Cosgrove alive and well in the faces of his family - of which, I’m sure, he was most proud.

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