John F. Cosgrove, 70, of Harwich and formerly of Jefferson, died Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis after a brief illness surrounded by his loved ones.

He leaves his devoted wife of 45 years Diane H. (Burns) Cosgrove; his son and two daughters, Kevin J. Cosgrove of Somerville, MA, Colleen E. Cosgrove of Charlestown, MA, Katherine M. Foster and her husband Graham of Milton, MA, his beloved grandchildren Charlotte M. Foster and Grace D. Foster, a brother, William J. Cosgrove of Worcester, three sisters, Carol Quinn of Northborough, Ellen Garcia of Coral Gables, Fla. and Elizabeth Burrell of Washington, D.C.; and many nieces and nephews. His sisters MaryAnn Prinn and Nancy C. Cosgrove deceased before him in 2014.

John was born in Worcester, the son of the late William J. and Mary G. (Conroy) Cosgrove. He spent most of his youth playing golf at Green Hill Golf Course, under the watchful eye of one of his teachers and pro, Uncle Walter Cosgrove, who played an instrumental role in John’s golf career. John always credited his mother and father with teaching him the fundamentals of the game both on and off the course.

He graduated in 1966 from St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury. John attended Miami Dade College for two years and then accepted a full scholarship to Western Kentucky University. It was at Miami Dade in 1968 that John was recognized as an All-American golfer.

John was an accomplished golfer and instructor. He was the first golfer in Massachusetts schoolboy history to win the coveted State Golf Championship twice in 1964 and 1966. As captain of the St. John’s golf team for two years, John led the team to a 42-2 match record. While he won numerous titles during his schoolboy career, he regarded his first State Championship as a sophomore as his greatest achievement, which he won in a sudden death playoff. John was inducted into St. John’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.

John’s next chapter brought him to Pleasant Valley Country Club where he worked with Paul Harney. Then, John continued to pursue his passion by teaching at Paul Harney’s Golf School in Falmouth. This gifted player also had a talent as an instructor and that brought him so much joy.

Later, John co-founded Falmouth Plastics and Rubber Company, a specialized building supply company. While John loved golf and his work, his greatest loves in life were his Diane, Colleen, Kevin, Kate, Graham, Charlotte, Grace, and his golden retriever Bogey. The love he shared with Diane was the foundation of the Cosgrove family. They were a team in the truest sense. John was always there to guide his children in his own quiet, loving, humble manner. He was the cheerleader of his kids lives from coaching their sports teams, watching them compete at high school and collegiate levels, or teaching them the game he loved so much.

John loved life’s simple pleasures, especially playing with his grandchildren, doing yard work with Diane, taking Bogey for a walk to Hardings Beach, cheering on the Celtics or Patriots, playing a quick “nine and dine” at Wachusett Country Club or The Captains Golf Course. Lastly, John was a man of great faith and an active member at St. Mary’s Parish in Jefferson and St. George’s Church in Worcester.

This loving husband, father, teacher, son, brother, and friend will forever remain in our hearts.

The funeral Mass will be Saturday, October 13, at 10 a.m. in St. George’s Church, 38 Brattle St., Worcester. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Danny Rossetti Junior Golf Camp, c/o Green Hill Golf Course, 1929 Skyline Drive, Worcester, MA 01605.