John D. Cosgrove (1934-2021)

COSGROVE, MCENANY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/27/2021 at 21:27:06

JOHN D. 'JACK' COSGROVE
Cedar Rapids

John D. "Jack" Cosgrove passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021.
Jack was born at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Dec. 14, 1934, to Walter J. and Gertrude A. (McEnany) Cosgrove. A lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, a respected business and community leader, his most important role was loving husband of 63 years to wife, Cordelia (Dilla); father to children, Kelly, Jill, Tracey and Patrick; and beloved "Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Jack graduated from McKinley High School in 1952. He worked his way through college, joined Army ROTC and obtained a B.S. in electrical engineering from Iowa State University in 1956. His only job after graduation was at Collins Radio (now Collins Aerospace). He served as vice president and general manager of Rockwell's Defense Division; president of Collins Defense Communications and appointed president and CEO of Rockwell Collins and a senior vice president of Rockwell International. Retiring in 1999, he was extremely proud of his leadership team and the significant growth, diversification and process improvements achieved during his 42 years at Rockwell Collins. He truly believed every employee contributed to his success and never forgot a face or a name.
A passionate supporter of Iowa State academics and athletics, Jack served on numerous advisory committees and fundraising efforts including the board of trustees and the ISU Foundation board, receiving the Alumni Association's Distinguished Achievement Citation. Jack and Dilla were named ISU Parents of the Year (1986) and Cy's Favorite Alums (1996). In 2019, he was included in the inaugural class of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's Hall of Fame.
A proud Cedar Rapidian, Jack served on the Brucemore board and supported the United Way of East Central Iowa, serving as a board member and contributing to the development of the Human Services Campus. He was co-chairman of the Mercy Hospice capital campaign and served on the board of trustees for Mercy Medical, including a term as chairman. He was inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Rose Marie Erusha and T. Elaine Benson; in-laws, Vernon Erusha, Donald Erusha and Robert and Arlene Erusha; and infant granddaughter, Erica Tangen.
He is survived by his wife, Dilla; his four children and their families, Kelly Cosgrove (Greg Tangen), children, Lauren Meiszberg (Andy) and Alex; Jill von Ebers (Paul), children, Tracy Martin, David, Daniel Brandt (Trish), great-grandson, Maxwell; Margaret, Rachel; Tracey Cosgrove (Chris Quinn) daughter, Emme and Patrick (Malora), daughters Marissa, Kathryn and Alma.
Despite his many accomplishments and many friends, family was the most important thing in Jack's life and every grandchild knew that "grandchildren are special."
Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at All Saints Catholic Church, with private interment following at St. John's Cemetery. To livestream the funeral, please go to tinyurl.com/jackcosgrove.
As mandated by proclamation, social distancing must be practiced which requires a limited number of people to be allowed into the visitation at one time. The use of face masks or shields is required.
Respecting the many COVID-19 restrictions, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to All Saints Catholic School, Xavier High School Foundation, Mercy Medical Center Foundation or Iowa State University Foundation
Please leave a message or tribute to the Cosgrove family on the website www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.