William F. Cosgrove

Nassau- William F. Cosgrove passed away on June 22, 2026, after a brief illness. He had previously survived pancreatic cancer in 1993.

William was born in Utica, New York on July 21, 1942. He was predeceased by his mother Grace Rowlands Cosgrove and his father Frederick W. Cosgrove.

William, known to many as Bill, is survived by Judith Hayes Cosgrove, whom he married on August 8,1964.

In addition to his beloved wife Judy, Bill is survived by his three children, Kimberly Cosgrove Easterling (Alexander Easterling), Christopher Cosgrove (Tammy Davis), and Kathleen Zorian (Gregory Zorian). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Katelyn Easterling (fiancé Paolo Lago), Dr. Ashley Easterling (fiancé Andrew Acomb), Kiersten Cosgrove, Keenan Cosgrove, Annabel Zorian, and Samantha Zorian. Bill is also survived by his sister-in-law Sally Hayes Downey (James Downey) and his brother-in-law Peter Hayes (Teresa Harrison).

Among the many sharing Bill and Judy's lives are adopted children Donny and Vicky Pulver, Scott Conlee, Caitlin and Terry Mooney and their children Addison, Meredith and Michael. As well as good friends Ron and Vida Bellisario.

Bill was educated in Utica public schools before earning a B.S. from Cornell University in 1964 and completing graduate studies at Florida State University. He began his career as an Oneida County probation officer in Utica, later served as a youth parole officer in Rochester, and then worked as a counselor at Eastern Correctional Facility in Ellenville. In 1968, Bill, Judy, and their family moved to Albany, where he joined the Northern District of New York as a federal probation and parole officer. He retired in 1999 as Deputy Chief.

Bill dedicated much of his time to volunteer service, including as a volunteer firefighter with the Nassau Hose Company, a member of the Clearwater Chapter of Trout Unlimited, assisting at birthday events at the Evergreen Commons Nursing Center, the Nassau Free Library, work at the Braeburn Equestrian Center, and most recently a volunteer with Capital District Latinos.

Bill's hobbies included fly fishing (and tying) and deer hunting. He had a life-long love of horses and was a dedicated do-it-yourself homeowner. His barn was full of woodworking tools.

Rooted in family, Christian faith, community and service, Bill will be remembered as a role model by all who knew him. His life was marked by steady and genuine selfless generosity to all he encountered. Those who knew him could not help but be struck by his singular focus on others. Our world has been made brighter, better, and kinder by William F. Cosgrove. It is also not possible to imagine that generous lifetime without his teammate and love mate Judy working alongside. For many, the image of Bill and Judy dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus remains a treasured memory.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bill's family from 4:00-7:00 p.m., on Thursday June 25, 2026, at the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home, 11 Elm St. Nassau, NY 12123. Bill's Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Mary's Church, 26 Church St. Nassau, NY 12123. Interment will immediately follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Route 203 Nassau, NY 12123.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the Nassau Fire Department, Clearwater Chapter of Trout Unlimited, or the Capital District Latinos.