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Cosmo Allegretti Obituary
Allegretti, who had homes in Hampton Bays, N.Y., and New River, Ariz., died of emphysema on July 26 in Arizona, his attorney and friend John Munzel said Wednesday.
Allegretti had been a puppeteer but was working as a set painter in the early days of "Captain Kangaroo." He volunteered to make a replacement when the show was dissatisfied with a puppet created by a professional. He gave life to characters Bunny Rabbit, Mister Moose, Rollo the Hippopotamus, Miss Worm, Cornelius the Walrus, Dennis the Apprentice and others. The show, starring Bob Keeshan, started on CBS in 1955 and aired for more than 30 years.
As an actor, Allegretti appeared in films including "Prince of the City."
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Cosmo Allegretti
146 Entries
PCD PCD
June 5, 2025
You added so much joy to my childhood. Rest in peace, Dear Cosmo.
Jim Brown
August 15, 2021
Miss his voice grandfather clock and others very taliyanyed man
Eric G.
September 29, 2019
God bless you, Mr. Allegretti. You did so much to make my childhood happier. I truly loved everyone on Captain Kangaroo, and I especially loved Bunny Rabbit because he was shy and had glasses like me.
Lia White
March 21, 2019
RIP Gus. You are always remembered.
Linda Davis
December 28, 2018
Gus was an original. I loved him dearly and think of him often. I miss the Christmas cards with his beautiful calligraphy at this time of year. He was a special part of my life.
Maria Diaz
May 16, 2018
To all of Captain Kangaroo fans& his family; I loved watching captain kangaroo and especially Cosmo Allegretti, not only he was funny but also he was good looking as well, he will be missed by everyone. R.I.P Cosmo
Nazarene Mckinney
January 17, 2017
Thanks for all the memories. Captain Kangaroo and Dancing Bear brought so much joy to me as a child.
December 8, 2015
Juan .3.16.nos asegura que volveremos a ver a nuestros seres queridos
nancy dopke
July 24, 2014
this sunday will be the first anniversary of comso's passing. i was a good friend of cosmo's for the last 10 years of his life. i wish he had know in his lifetime how many lives he touched. he always thought what he did was no big deal. He was just doing his job. when we had his little service after his passing, i read a few of these comments. all in attendance enjoyed them. since cosmo had no living family left, we thought those who grew up with him would be all of his family. thank you so much for your outpouring of prayers and nice tributes. i am working on a book that, hopefully, will share some amusing and witty stories about his life and also his career. again, thank you all for you comments.
May 10, 2014
This was truly an amazing person with so much talent the loss is clearly ours. Prayers fill our hearts while singing praises to God asking him to let us never forget the love we have for this wonderful person gone from our lives never forgetting the joy we shared experiencing a great talent. Hebrews 6:10.
looshmill
December 9, 2013
He brought joy to a lot of
people. R.i.p.
November 28, 2013
To Allegretti Family, sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences,
Sincerely, Chicago, Illinois
October 19, 2013
I can't help but remember the how those characters played an important role in my own development. I hope that as family you continue to build on your love for each other.
JW
October 16, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
October 7, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the Allegretti family during your time of grief...God is for you a "refuge and strength" A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with "peace and comfort" to endure the days ahead...(Psalm 62:8).
van windsor
September 18, 2013
What a gift his life was to my childhood...Rest in Peace.
Wade
August 20, 2013
So sad. I remember the "stoink" song as well. Mr. Moose and Captain Kangaroo sang along also. Per the previous post, I remember watching Tommy and Timexx perform live dressed as Mr. Allegretti. He made us laugh and his memory lingers on. Gotta love me some "stoink" song. Rock on all you Stoink-monsters. The best to all and God Bless
Tommy
August 15, 2013
So sad to hear of your passing. I fondly remember you singing the "Stoink" song. My favorite verse is the line that says "Look out for the grol monster, he is watching you, run away if you see him,that's what to do." When my friend Timexx and I performed music together we sometimes dressed as you did. It was such fun. Rock on Mr. Stoink man.
Kathy & Buddy Barnett
August 12, 2013
We are sorry for your loss.....we always loved Captain Kangaroo and those wonderful characters....to Cosmos' family and friends....we loved this very talented man...take comfort in knowing that there are Angels here on earth to help you all in your time of need..
Gregory Laurinat
August 12, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Mr. Allegretti's family. Captain Kangaroo was my favorite show. Mr. Allegretti was a wonderful talent-creating Dennis, Mr. Moose, Bunny, Grandfather Clock, Dancing Bear and even Garrumph (the villain in Missing Paint Mystery). May he rest in peace.
Susan
August 10, 2013
I am so sad to read of your loved one's death. The loss of a dear one is so difficult to endure. Our loving Creator knows and gives peace to all those earnestly seeking Him. Please accept my sincere condolences.
August 9, 2013
I pray God gives you peace in the midst of your grief at the loss of your loved one. My prayers are with the entire family. We love your work as children.
S Eaton
August 9, 2013
In remembrance of a kind soul.
S Eaton
August 9, 2013
The children today would be far better off with people like Mr. Allegretti, Mr. Green Jeans and Capt Kangaroo. Their example should be examples for us all to live by. Thanks for all you did!
Bill McBride
August 9, 2013
I will never forget the stories Cosmo shared with us at the Rehab Center in Surprise, especially the one about having smoked Joe DiMaggio's cigarette butt. May you rest in peace dear Gus, God bless you friend.
Kevin Fitzgerald
August 9, 2013
My condolences to Mr. Allegretti's family members. He brought so much happiness into the homes of children all over America, including mine. I appreciate that very much! May God bless you all. -Kevin-
Vickie Craine
August 8, 2013
Thank you for making Captain Kangaroo my favorite show in my childhood. My prayers are with your children and family. Though I never met you, I know you were a great father, husband, and friend to all. You will always be loved and missed. Vickie Craine (Xenia, OH).
michelle plakas-kaiser
August 8, 2013
rip
Jane Dias
August 8, 2013
I adored "The Bun" and Mr. Moose! God was in His heaven, and they were in the Treasure House. Thank you, thank you, Mr. Allegretti.
T. P.
August 8, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Cosmo will never be forgotten. (Malachi 3:16)
Tracy Lee
August 8, 2013
I loved BunnyRabbit and had my own BunnyRabbit who kept me company and let me slumber peacefully through every night of my childhood.
Yvette Maurey Higgins
August 8, 2013
Although Cosmo himeslf was never seen by those of us who watched in the 60s, when my younger sisters were watching CKS in the 70s I saw him. His characters were part of the show when I watched. Bunny Rabbit & Dancing Bear, neither whose voice was ever heard on the show were my favorites. I loved Mr. Moose as well, and when he would dupe the Captain into a ping-pong ball shower, and Bunny Rabbit conned him out of carrots, I was delighted! If Bunny ate all those carrots, why did he wear glasses! May Cosmo rest in peace. He brought joy to many. Peace to the Allegretti family.
Margaret Hamilton
August 8, 2013
You helped make Capt. Kangaroo one of the best kids show ever. I remember all of your characters and I think Bunny and Mr. Moose were the best. God speed and Blessings to you Dancing Bear. I will always love you.
Jeanne Kempers
August 8, 2013
That show was part of the reason I am a happy person at age 59 !!!!
Rest in peace, Mr Allegretti, and thank you for those wonderful times we kids sat in front of the tv watching the best show on TV for kids !!!!
Loved you all ! Mr. Green Jeans !!!
John Stair
August 8, 2013
Sorry for the loss of Cosmo Allegretti who created so many wonderful characters on the Captain Kangaroo show. Thanks so much for Grandfather Clock, Bunny Rabbit and the rest. They are a testament to the love and wholesomeness you brought to millions of children for over 30 years. Hopefully, besides the Lord, the good Captain, Mr. Greenjeans, and the complete set of your characters were there to great you at Heaven's Gate. Rest in peace and God bless.
Danny Thurston
August 8, 2013
BunnyRabbit and Mr.Moose where the best
old fan
August 8, 2013
Rest in Peace, grandfather clock. Loved
you then and love you now.
Teresa Vancuron
August 8, 2013
Thank you Cosmo you were a great puppet master and actor. You made me a happy little girl watching your show I couldn't wait to see Bunny Rabbit, Mr Moose and the Dancing Bear perform. That's why I watched Capt. Kangaroo every day (1963-1967) in the mornings. Condolences to your family and friends.
August 8, 2013
Great Show, great people. Thank you. RIP RG
Chip
August 8, 2013
Thank you Mr. Allegretti for Mr. Moose. My grandpa's favorite character on Captain Kangaroo. Now tv is evil. God bless the family.
Raquel Pamer
August 8, 2013
Thanks for the memories!
August 8, 2013
ding ding ding, ding ding ding-a-ling, ding ding ding ding ding ding ding. Thanks for the memories.
August 8, 2013
What a nice legacy. Those characters were so important to the Captain Kangaroo show. Thanks.
August 8, 2013
What a wondrous talent! Rest in peace! Mr. Bainter the Painter
Debbie L
August 8, 2013
Many childhood memories of the Captain and Mr Moose as well as Bunny Rabbit, thanks for all of them, what a talented man. I am sure the Lord is rewarding you now for the wholesome entertainment and values that were taught from your talents. Childrens tv programs of today need to take a lesson from you!
Missy Baron
August 8, 2013
You are in my heart forever! Thank you for the memories.
Chuck Kangaroo
August 8, 2013
Thanks for making morning`s better for me as a kid!
Ann Alexander
August 8, 2013
Thank you for the wonderful childhood memories.
My condolences to your family and friends.
Donna Borrell
August 8, 2013
Bless your heart Sir... I remember the dancing bear... you brought so much joy to us all in the 60's... RIP
Laurie Masichuk
August 8, 2013
Captain Kangaroo was one of my all time favorites as a kid. Thanks for the memories.
ruthanne jenkins
August 8, 2013
I was born in 1954 and grew up with Captain Kangaroo. Never really thought about the "person" behind the voices. RIP Cosmo.
August 8, 2013
Your puppets brought much joy when I was a child...RIP Cosmo.
Jay Elle
August 8, 2013
What grand memories. As a child, I'd wait for the countdown and shout for Grandfather Clock to wake up, not to mention Mr. Moose and the others on the show. You made me a happy kid. Thank you and bless you.
August 8, 2013
Such wonderful memories from my childhood...thank you sir for the bright smile that widens my face when I see you and each time I remember all of your wonderful creations on Captain Kangaroo - my personal favorite was Bunny Rabbit. Rest in Peace and thank for the sweet childhood memories.
Eric Taylor
August 8, 2013
Thanks. My morning wasn't complete without bunny rabbit, Mr. Moose and Grandfather Clock. Thanks for many great mornings and memories.
August 8, 2013
What a wonderful childhood I had growing up in the 50's. I watched Captain Kangaroo faithfully. Just loved to see Bunny Rabbit steal those carrots. Thank you Mr. Allegretti.
Jay W
August 8, 2013
Thank you for all the great memories and for all the laughs...I have my own children now, and they too have enjoyed the show.
August 8, 2013
Thank you for your gift ~ Rest in peace.
Ginny Shorter
August 8, 2013
I can still hear Mr. Moose & Bunny Rabbits' little voices. God speed, Cosmo.
Les Breese
August 8, 2013
I have so many fond memories of "Captain Kangaroo" and those wonderful characters created by Mr. Allegretti...what a wonderful show! My condolences to the family, friends, and fellow fans of Cosmo Allegretti.
PJ Jackson
August 8, 2013
May Heaven today be alive with ping pong balls and carrots...
Terrie
August 8, 2013
May you find comfort from the creator and know death is not his will.-James1:13.
dean kuykendall
August 8, 2013
thank you and may god be with you and your family
Maralena
August 8, 2013
One of my absolute favorite shows as a child. I enjoyed all of Cosmo's puppets and he himself. Thank you for some wonderful memories kind sir. May you rest in peace.
dale sawyer
August 8, 2013
Thanks for the memories.
Libby Davis
August 8, 2013
My children grew up watching Captain Kangaroo. What a wonderful show for kids. Filled with fun, thoughtfulness and lessons, without the violence that of so many of today's children are subjected to. RIP Bunny Rabbit.
Joanne Kamilewicz
August 8, 2013
How fortunate I am to have grown up watching such a show of sweetness and innocence. Rest in peace. Thank you for a ray of sunshine when times were hard.
Michaell Kelly
August 8, 2013
Long live Mr. Moose
Diane
August 8, 2013
What a delight he was to so many children, including me! Thanks to his life, although we only knew him through his puppets!
August 8, 2013
You lite up my life, thank you.
Pattyann
August 8, 2013
This man brought so much joy to me as a child. Just thinking about Captain Kangaroo and his friends always brings a smile to my heart. Rest in peace Cosmo.
J Thorns
August 8, 2013
One of my favorite shows as a child. May your hearts be filled with joyful memories of him. May the Hearer of Prayer give you peace during this time of need (Ps. 46:1) With warm sympathy
Lorraine
August 8, 2013
RIP.....
Thanks for the memories....
Always love that show.
My sympathy to the family.
chris cazzato
August 8, 2013
thank u for all the memories when i was little may god bless u
Jada Stucker
August 8, 2013
Thank you for helping to make my childhood a happier one, Mr. Allegretti. I've always imagined what it would be like to waltz with Dancing Bear & to have sweet, lovable Dennis for a friend.
Donna K.
August 8, 2013
I grew up with his characters, but never knew the man behind them. To Mr. Allegretti's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. There is now a wonderful angel in Heaven who is watching over those he loved. God and the world now knows how many children grew up learning patience, kindness and most importantly manners, and for that we are so very thankful and sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Terry Kelech
August 8, 2013
Who didn't love Bunny Rabbit, Mister Moose, and Grandfather Clock as a child? RIP, Mr. Allegretti. You made a wonderful impact on so many lives.
Susan Beckley
August 8, 2013
Thank you Cosmo for making our childhood mornings with TV the best ever. Loved Captain Kangaroo and all the characters...RIP you are so deserving.
Ronald h. Brown
August 8, 2013
ENJOY WATCHING IN MY YOUNGER DAYS NOW I'M IN MY LATE FIFTY AND STILL HAVE Great memory of his morning show thanks to him and may god bless his family at this time.
August 8, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Grief can be so hard,but our memories help us cope.may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.
August 8, 2013
God Bless .... Thanks for the fond memories of my childhood
Pauline Valdez
August 8, 2013
Michelle Sparks
August 7, 2013
I grew up with Captin Kangaroo, I feel another part of my child hood is gone. Thanks for the memories I'll cherish them. RIP Dennis the Apprentise
Dale Stinson
August 7, 2013
I never missed a show. The best show ever for kids. God bless you. RIP
joaquim-redeemer barbosa
August 7, 2013
when I came to America 11years old in 1961.captain kangaroo was the childrens mentor.un ashes?
August 7, 2013
I just loved Dancing Bear and Grandfather Clock...what wonderful memories of childhood.
Mark Lambert
August 7, 2013
Cosmo touched many young lives over the years. At my house (1971.-1976) Captain Kangaroo was on our tv every morning. Think back over the years and realize how important the educators on the airwaves played a big part of many lives. R.I.P. Cosmo Allegrito
Jim Baxter
August 7, 2013
When I was young, I wanted to grow up and be the next Cosmo Allegretti. I thought he had more fun than anybody else on Captain Kangaroo. The music of "Puffin' Billy" still makes me feel happy.
Lisa Taylor
August 7, 2013
He brought many many years of pleasure to small children, such as myself, and made our childhood times be filled with great memories. May he rest in peace and "thank you" Mr. Allegretti. Condolences to your family.
Freddie Rhett
August 7, 2013
I have wonderful memories watching you and all the characters you brought to life.May your soul rest in peace.
Greg Keeler
August 7, 2013
Pete, thinking of you and your family... and the day one summer when I saw the Captain Kangaroo calculator on our coffee table and you told me your dad was Mr. Moose and I didn't believe you. I'm sorry I never got to meet him, I would have told him how much joy his work brought me as a little kid. I was a devoted "Kangaroo" kid. Holding you and your family in my heart.
Pamela Matteson
August 7, 2013
He was a talented man who entertained young and old.
Beth
August 7, 2013
RIP Mr. Allegretti. Like many, many others, I grew up with you and the Captain Kangaroo Show. You will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Warren Abrahams
August 7, 2013
The constant "gag" with ping pong balls falling on the Captain's head after a Mr. Moose "knock-knock" joke will always be a staple in television archives. Thank you for being the supportive player for one wholesome and pure children's program that so many baby boomers grew up watching.
August 7, 2013
I grew up with the show. Mr Cosmo will be missed by all. there was no one like him
Colleen
August 7, 2013
Spent many a happy hour watching the CKS. Such wonderful memories. A big thanks to the Allegretti family for letting us enjoy the works of such a talented man....
Chuck Lyons
August 7, 2013
Thank you for the joy and love you provided the television audience. God bless an keep you.
Afi Scruggs
August 7, 2013
Children don't have such wonderful innocent characters today. Thanks for the memories.
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