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John Cosgrove Obituary
John Raymond Cosgrove was born Oct. 27, 1949 in Murphysboro, Ill. to the late William and Billie (Hagler) Cosgrove. He married Terri L. Gray on Aug. 1, 1987; she survives him.
He graduated from Boulder High with the class of 1968. John earned his bachelor of arts in history and education though the University of Colorado; he also played football for the Colorado Buffaloes and passionately followed them throughout his life. John taught and coached football at Neligh High School in Neligh, Neb., Texas A&I in Kingsville, Texas where he also earned his master's in education, Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford, Okla., Arapahoe High School in Littleton, Colo., Woodland Park High School in Woodland Park, Colo., Dakota State University in Madison, S.D., Olivet College in Olivet and finally at Northwood University in Midland. In his spare time John enjoyed golfing, music and trivia, but his true passion was coaching football.
Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Terri; three daughters, Barbara (Patrick) Dirrim, Elizabeth (Brian Ford) Cosgrove and Merilee Cosgrove; 12 grandchildren, Jacob, Rachel, Ethan, Rebekah, Jonah, Ezra, Pablo, Toby, Nicholas, Trenton, Caden and Mattie; two sisters, Carol (David) Wooley and Cindy (Dana) Bargell; two nieces, Cassidy and Delani Bargell; two brothers-in-law, Mark Gray and Gaylen Barry; father-in-law, Donald Barry; and cat, Bandit.
John wished to thank his coaching peers and his football team members, both those he coached and played alongside, and his many friends.
Honoring John's wishes, cremation has taken place and memorial services are planned for a later date in Boulder. Memorial contributions may be given to an athletic association or charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State Street). Share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.deislerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Cosgrove
Arapahoe High school 82´ R.Ritter
March 5, 2024
I did not play football. He was my swimming instructor. He taught me how to swim which led me into pilot water rescue while in the Navy.
Robert Greer
October 17, 2019
Always remember Coach Cosgrove cranking 'The Devil Went Down To Georgia' by the Charlie Daniel's band as we would get taped up for football games in 1981. That was his song to get us motivated to play. He touched a lot of people. He will be missed.
February 21, 2017
John, was a great guy! I have very fond memories of him as our student PE teacher at Boulder High, my senior year & he also umpired Pony League games when I played. Genuine person, very nice & sincere. I also had the pleasure of having his father as my PE teacher & football coach at Casey Junior High. You will be missed by a lot of people. God Bless you, John & your family.
Jeff Colotta
The McLaughlin's
February 20, 2017
Terri and family, so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to you and may God bless you with comfort and peace in knowing that John is in the arms of the Lord.
Gary Coppom
February 20, 2017
John, "4th and 55" never punt my friend. We will hug in the Endzone again some day. We love ya Cos.
Gary Coppom
Tom Hutchinson
February 19, 2017
Our sincere condolences to Terri and all of John's family. I have so many great memories growing up in Boulder with John and know that he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tom and Deb Hutchinson
Sharon Strassler
February 19, 2017
May your family be comforted for the early loss of a man who must have loved life. We drove by your former house today where I babysat for the kids. Bless you in this time of sorrow.
Rick Black
February 18, 2017
God bless and rest his soul always. R.I.P. John. ✝
May God provide your family and friends with all of the comfort, healing, love and strength they may need during this time. I pray that they celebrate your life and cherish the memories that will remain with them always. Amen.
February 18, 2017
Terri and Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time.
The Weisenbergers
Phil Bennett
February 18, 2017
RIP Coach. You pushed us all to be better. AHS class of 82 #21
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