John COSGROVE

COSGROVE, John E. "Jack", 83, of Tampa, FL, died peacefully January 28, 2014. Jack was born in New Bedford, Mass. Photo-graphy was his lifelong passion winning his first photo contest when he was 8 years old. He served as a photographer for the U.S. Army in Frankfurt, Germany where he learned to speak German fluently. After spending time in the Photo Department at Brown University, Jack was offered a job at WTVT in Tampa in 1955 , the first year they were on the air and was promoted to Chief Photographer a year later. (read his bio at: http://www.big13.net/jack_cosgrove.htm) He, Bob GIlbert, and Don Harris produced Pulse Extra filming celebrities from Mohammad Ali to Carl Sandburg from Japan to El Salvador. Jack designed the PULSE logo "Heartbeat of a changing world." He left WTVT in 1966 and over the next 40 years he continued to work as a cameraman and editor on commercials and documentaries around the world, as well as for the UF's Cooperative Extension. Jack spent much of his life behind the lens of a camera and much of that time underwater filming, including Mel Fischer in his treasure diving operation. Other favorites were Peace Corps Films in El Salvador and Columbia whose director, Joe Keyerleber, became Jack's partner and lifelong friend; the 1980 and 1981 Titanic Expeditions after which he lectured at MOSI on this topic; and with his brother, Tom, the discovery of the Viscaina in Panama, the only Christopher Columbus ship located. Jack loved to travel, visiting 50 countries. He volunteered his services to non-profit organizations including Everyday Blessings and Redlands Christian Migrant Association. Jack was a member of the Mensa Society. Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Coton. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Connie, who shared his love of travel; son and daughter, Carl and Linda; Step-daughters Tammy King (Tom Bernasek) and Kelly Engel; 10 grandchildren; brother Tom (Ginny); nephew Alan (Patty) and dearly loved cousins Pat and Dick Lamery. A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 5:00pm at Carrollwood Cultural Center Studio, 13345 Casey Road, Tampa, FL 33618. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Everyday Blessings: (http://www.everydayblessingsinc.org/) or Florida All Retriever Rescue: (http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL466.html)