John Russell-Cotes Cosgrove
June 18, 1931-Feb. 24, 2017
Menlo Park, California

Jack Cosgrove, 85, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2017, after a brief illness.

Jack was born and raised in Pasadena, California. He majored in political science at Stanford University, where he was dubbed "Cos" by his Phi Kap brothers, a name which followed him into his professional life.

He enjoyed intramural sports, especially volleyball. He was drafted into the Army straight out of college in 1953, for 21 months, stationed for half that time in Germany.

Jack married Stanford classmate Judy McDaniel in 1956, and they had two children, Russell and Jeanette.

He graduated first in his class from Stanford Law School in 1959, and practiced law in Menlo Park, California, where he spent 30 years as the primary litigator for the city, and served as city attorney for eight.

His law partner Jack Jorgenson recalls: "I used to enjoy watching the opposing attorneys as they gradually came to the realization that they were up against something they couldn't handle ... and he never lost a case ... although he did refuse one against the Gypsies."

Jack loved nature, especially backpacking in the high Sierra, and traveled extensively with various family members including his children and his brother Bob Cosgrove.

He later married Alice Samuelsen who had two daughters, Timas and Amanda, from a previous marriage.

In addition to his career, Jack was very active in the successful effort to extend the vote to 18-year-olds with the 26th amendment, and later represented ex-felons in their effort to regain voting rights. In his later years he enjoyed reading, history, a little travel, and spending time with his children, his grandsons Kevin and Brendan, his first wife Judy, and friends.

He shared his home with John and Eleanor Fakalata, who were very devoted and helpful to him. A memorial website jackcosgrove.com has been established to share remembrances and photos.

Tags: veteran, public service