Michael Cosgrove

Salem- On the morning of July 20, 2024 Michael Cosgrove was taken into the arms of his Lord, Jesus Christ, to his eternal home in Paradise. He had fought a long and strenuous battle with cancer, but the time had come for him to rest in peace. He was in the wonderful care of the University Hospital Portage Medical Center and had spent the evening before surrounded by his family. Michael was born on December 11, 1953 in Salem, Ohio, the son of the late Lester J. Cosgrove Sr. and the late Mary (Petro) Cosgrove. He was a lifetime member of St. Paul's Church and former member of the Elks club.
Michael was a 1972 graduate of Salem High school, where he was remembered for being a standout basketball player. He had a strong work ethic, even as a very young boy, where he could be found selling Sunday newspapers outside of St. Paul's Church every week after mass. He also spent many years working at the Salem Car Wash, Penn Grille Pizza Shop, and Petrucci's Bar and Restaurant, while putting himself through college at Kent Salem and Main Campus to earn his BS in ED degree. He was employed as a Teacher for 35 years in the Salem City Schools, teaching 1 year at McKinley in Grade 5, 31 years at the Jr. High teaching Math, and 3 years at Southeast, doing Math Inclusion in Grade 5. No matter where he went, he ran into former students who thanked him for being such a helpful teacher and making Math meaningful to them. When the school day ended or school wasn't in session, he went to his second job as the Manager of the Salem Branch of V&V Appliance Parts, which he ran for almost 40 years. He was inspired by its founder, his Father-in-Law, Victor Lazar, and was devoted to serving his customers to the best of his ability. Even after being closed for almost two years due to his health concerns, people still hoped he was going to open again. He also owned and managed several apartments in Salem.
The most important mission in Michael's life was taking care of his home and his family and he was successful at both. He had enormous love and pride in his children, and was thankful to see them leading happy, purposeful lives. His greatest joy was being a Papa to his two grandchildren and they will miss him dearly. They were his motivation throughout his health battle and will miss his love and wisdom in the years to come. Above all, he was hard working, always put others before himself, and was a faithful Man of God through every season of his life.
Michael's survivors include his wife of 43 years, Wendy (Lazar) Cosgrove; his daughter, Jessica (James) Mastrovito and their children, Hunter and Hadley, of Indian Trail, N.C., as well as a son, Joshua Cosgrove of Columbus, OH; sisters, Mary Ann (Ed) Manning and Linda Cosgrove; brother, Gary Cosgrove; and sister-in-law, Connie Cosgrove, all of Salem, and many beloved nieces and nephews and their children. He was proceeded in death by his brother, Joe Cosgrove, in addition to his parents.
The family would like to thank Dr. Austin Fredrickson and his staff at Salem Regional Hospital, Dr. David Bajor and his staff at University Hospital in Cleveland, OH and the Staff at Portage University Hospital as well as every doctor, nurse, and health care worker they met along their journey for their loving and professional care. Also the Perry Township EMT and Fire Department for their excellent services. They also request that instead of flowers, please consider a donation to; The Brightside Project, P.O. Box 314, Salem, OH 44460 or a donation of money or kindness to someone in need. Please also be sure to have a colonoscopy as recommended along with any other medical tests routinely suggested. Thank you.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church.
Friends and family will be received Friday, July 26, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at Stark Memorial.
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