We mourn the passing of Retired Journeyman Inside Wireman George M. Cosgrove, who was 78 years old, and had been a Local 569 member for 52 years. He was born in Rockville Center, New York, on February 17, 1946, to Alfred and Virginia Cosgrove. When George was 3 years old, he and his family moved to San Diego. After attending Grossmont College for 2 years (with a focus on business administration), George’s first Union dispatch was as a Marine Helper to National Steel & Shipbuilding. Then after 6 months of this eye-opening experience, George turned his focus to a different field for the next 4½ years.
He would return to Local 569; this time, as an Apprentice Inside Wireman, in September 1971. He never looked back. George would work at Fischbach & Moore, Schwarz, Oliver, Econ, Atlas, and even Bechtel, before he graduated to become a Journeyman Inside Wireman, in May 1975. Throughout his long career, George would be dispatched to Bechtel another 4 times.
While there, he would serve as a Foreman and eventually, a General Foreman, from early 1978 through mid-1982. George also worked for contractors such as: Foshay, Amelco (twice), Bell Electric, Morrow-Meadows, Baker Electric (3 times), Sorrento Electric, Chula Vista (twice), Robinson, Southland (twice), Neal Electric (twice), and Davies Electric (where he spent over 4 years).
Brother Cosgrove also served Local 569 in other capacities during his membership: as our Recording Secretary, and also as a delegate at a conference for the 9th District.
After retiring, George moved to Laughlin, Nevada, with his wife, Jennifer. George is survived by Jennifer (his wife of 52 years), brother Edward Cosgrove (also a Local 569 Journeyman Inside Wireman and now retiree), son Lawrence Cosgrove, daughter Lisa Cosgrove, and grandsons Tyler and Colton Grajczyk. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces. They all loved his stories, and he had a lot of them. George incurred health issues in November 2006, which rendered him unable to walk. Though he also had various other health issues throughout the ensuing 18 years, George managed to live a pretty full life. Even though he had to give up activities he really liked, George never complained about what he couldn’t do. He just concentrated on getting better, and living life. He was loved by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.
George will be interred on November 1, 2024, at 12:40 PM. at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 1900 Veterans Way, Boulder City, Nevada, 89005
August 11, 2011