Past National President John Cosgrove enters Chapter Eternal at 56

Oxford, Ohio
4/20/06

John Cosgrove, Florida ’68, died April 19 after undergoing an emergency appendectomy while vacationing in Zimbabwe with his daughter. He was 56.
 
Cosgrove’s service to Phi Kappa Tau extended over nearly three decades. Elected National Vice President in 1985, Cosgrove took the reigns of the Fraternity as National President two years later where he was instrumental
in the formation of Leadership Academy.
 
It was Cosgrove’s vision for Phi Tau to offer a leadership program that would enrich the undergraduate experience and involve alumni through service to the Fraternity. 
 
Each year Phi Kappa Tau presents the Cosgrove Spirit and Leadership Award to the man, or men, who best demonstrate the vision of Leadership Academy. The award is a cash gift, endowed by Cosgrove.
 
Cosgrove served the Phi Kappa Tau National Council for 27 years, the last 11 as the National Legal Counsel. His tenure is the second longest in the Fraternity’s history, only eclipsed by Roland Maxwell, USC ’22.  He also served as a Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Trustee for 11 years, beginning in 1993. 
 
National President Bill Crane, Georgia ’80, said, "Phi Kappa Tau has lost a leader, a champion for undergraduate leadership development and a true believer in the benefits of fraternity life.  When it came to Phi Tau, John Cosgrove ‘walked the talk.’

“He was far from perfect, but his commitment was unswerving and his contributions were many,” Crane said. “We will all remember his infectious laugh, mischievous grin and penchant for bawdy jokes...as well as his legal and political acumen and desire to find solutions which served citizens and members of his fraternity.  He was truly one of a kind.”
 
In remembrance, President Crane has written several thoughts and relayed memories of Cosgrove. Read his article here.
 
Phi Kappa Tau CEO Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89, worked closely with Cosgrove. "Dedication to public service was simply woven into the fabric of John Cosgrove.  He was tireless in his commitment to Phi Kappa Tau and his support and enthusiasm will never be replaced,” Hartman said.  “His life was filled with activities and events, but he was never too busy for Phi Kappa Tau."
 
Cosgrove once said in an interview that Phi Tau gave him the confidence, skills and character to be a successful leader in politics, business and civic life.
 
National Vice President and President-elect Charlie Ball, Miami ’82, said,"He was a bigger than life Phi Tau and no one who met him ever forgot him.  I was always impressed with his loyalty.  When the fraternity politics were against him, he persisted and kept coming back for more.  As he achieved success in politics, he always had time for Phi Tau.  My greatest regret about his passing is that I will not have his counsel as I become president myself."
 
As an undergraduate at the University of Florida, he was a two-time chapter president, IFC president, president of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Fraternity and member of the Florida Blue Key leadership honorary.
 
Cosgrove served 20 years as a state representative from South Miami-Dade, and was head of the Insurance Committee. Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Cosgrove was instrumental in passing legislation to keep private insurance companies from leaving South Florida. He left the state legislature in 2000 after 17 years of service due to term limits.
 
Highly honored during his time at the state house, Cosgrove was ranked the fifth most important leader in Florida by the Florida Press. He was the chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators and chairman of the Commerce and Communications Committee of the National Conference of State Legislators.
 
Most recently, Cosgrove was elected the first mayor of Cutler Bay, Fla., a town he helped to incorporate. His term began in February.
 
“The state of Florida and people of Miami and Cutler Bay, Florida have lost a lifelong public servant,” Crane said. “His wife Bernie and children have lost a devoted father.” 
 
Cosgrove was also recognized outside of the political and fraternal realms. He served as chairman of the Miami YMCA, was named a Knight of Malta by Pope John Paul II, and received numerous awards for civic, community and religious service.
 
He is survived by his wife, Bernie; son Michael, Florida ’91; daughters, Tiffany and Colleen.
 
Memorial gifts commemorating John may be directed through the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation for the Cosgrove Spirit and Leadership Award. The Miami Herald is also providing a guestbook to remember Brother Cosgrove.

Miami Herald Guestbook - http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14387555.htm
 
WFOR-TV - http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_109234658.html
 
Phi Taus win mayoral, legislative elections

From the National President's Desk: In remembrance of John Cosgrove

If you have questions about this page, please contact Ian Andrews at iandrews@phikappatau.org.