Lasting Memories
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.
March 13, 2017
I've known Jack for almost 17 years and I will cherish each moment. I went to Nativity from 7th-8th grade which was a few blocks away from Jack's house so after school I would first head over to the Menlo Park library to complete homework and then walk over to Jack's house and hang with Jack until my mom came to fix supper and take me home. Jack and I talked about everything from politics to who we thought was going to win whatever sporting event was the hot topic at that particular time. My fondest memory that I will always cherish was watching the 2006 NCAA collegiate football national championship game between USC and Texas in the Rose bowl. I was a senior in high school at the time and was cheering for Texas while Jack was cheering for USC since he himself is an avid PAC 10 (at the time) supporter, being a Stanford grad and Pasadena native. I can still recall all the yelling and jumping around with excitement from the excellent show of competitiveness displayed by both teams. It was an experience carved in my memory. I always valued Jacks constant words of wisdom and support with where I was in life. I will always remember Jacks generosity and his strength of life and joy. I'm grateful that Jack was able to meet and hangout with all 3 of my kids and meet my wife. Jack was not only a very dear friend to me but also a father figure. I will miss him tremendously but blessed to have the memories I have. Rest in love Jack from Sioeli, Krystin, Ryder, Mac, and Poet!