With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Edward “Tom” Cosgrove, 83, of Chandler, Arizona, on July 2, 2026.
Born to Leo and Mary (Casler) Cosgrove, Tom was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister, and by his beloved wife of 52 years, Cathy Cosgrove, who passed away three years earlier.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Regina (Tim) Milkovich; his son, Scott (Brittney) Cosgrove; his grandchildren, Matthew, Anneliese, and McKenna; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Martha Ann “Marty” Hurster; and many extended family members, friends, and fellow veterans whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Known as “Ed” to his brothers and sisters and “Tom” to nearly everyone else, he lived a life defined by service, loyalty, family, and quiet strength.
Tom proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for more than two decades, retiring in 1988 as a Senior Master Sergeant. A Vietnam veteran, he served two tours and earned numerous military decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with six campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and many other awards recognizing his leadership and dedicated service.
Following his service in Vietnam, Tom became a military training instructor at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he met Cathy, the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. Together, Tom and Cathy built a life defined by service-to their country, their community, and, above all, to their family. Whether wearing the uniform of the United States Air Force or serving alongside one another through the American Legion, they believed in leaving every place and every person they encountered a little better than they found them.
Throughout the remainder of his Air Force career, Tom worked on and led flight line maintenance crews while stationed in Virginia, South Carolina, Germany, and Arizona before retiring from military service.
Retirement never slowed him down. A gifted craftsman and fixer, Tom found joy in refurbishing antiques, woodworking, gardening, and tackling just about any mechanical challenge that came his way. If it had wheels, wings, or an engine, there was a good chance he could fix it. He and Cathy also devoted countless hours to the American Legion, where Tom’s leadership eventually led him to serve as Arizona State Commander in 2006 after years of dedicated service with American Legion Post 30 in Springerville, Arizona.
His decorations and leadership positions reflected a lifetime of service, but they were never what mattered most to him. His greatest pride was the family he and Cathy built together.
Tom was a man of few words, believing that less often meant more. He was fiercely intelligent, endlessly resourceful, stubborn to the very end—a proud Cosgrove family trait-and always ready with a joke. He was a fixer in every sense of the word, the kind of man who showed love through action, dependability, and getting things done.
He never lost the Texas in his accent and still answered the phone with “Yellow.” He loved Clint Eastwood movies, World War II books and films, music from the 1950s through the 1970s, gardening, football games without commercials, and dogs of every size.
Above all, Tom loved his family. He treasured time with his children and grandchildren, and his youngest grandchild, McKenna, held a very special place in his heart.
He was not a man who measured his life by the medals he earned or the titles he held, but by the people he loved and the work that needed to be done. His family will remember his quiet strength, quick wit, unwavering integrity, and steadfast love.
After three years apart, Tom is reunited with Cathy once again.
Military honors and service information will be announced by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a veterans organization, the American Legion, or an animal rescue organization in Tom’s memory.
