Obituary of Edward L. Cosmi

Edward L. Cosmi, age 82, of West Milford, died peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospice, Wayne, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, January 20, 2012, after suffering a stroke several weeks ago. Ed was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 6, 1929 to John and Emma (Cianciarelli) Cosmi, both deceased. During the Great Depression his family relocated to Paterson where he grew up and lived as a young adult. He graduated Eastside High School in 1947 and Paterson State Teacher's College in 1951. Upon graduation, Ed taught business management and accounting courses in local Paterson schools and served in the NJ National Guard. After obtaining his broker's license, he started his own real estate and insurance business which became one of the largest and most successful agencies throughout the Paterson area during his professional career. He was a real estate investor, certified public accountant and an accomplished accordion player. He actively participated in Paterson politics for many years as a Republican Committeeman and Republican Ward Leader and even served as a judge at the Miss New Jersey Pageant in Atlantic City in the 1960's. He taught himself to speak the Spanish language, had the good fortune to travel around the world to many interesting places and had a passion for life and great food. As a sports enthusiast, he enjoyed attending major sporting events, especially for his beloved NY Knicks, was a finalist in the NJ Golden Gloves, and sponsored many youth and adult basketball teams in Paterson as well as Paterson Police PBA bowling teams. Ed will be sorely missed by his family, friends and neighbors. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Maria (Wagner); his five daughters Laura Everds and husband Peter, Claudia and Doctor John Cece, Linda Poznak and husband Steven, Susan Waller and husband Timothy, and Heidi Godau and husband Steve. He is also survived by his two sisters, Lucille Gallo and Carol Lombardino and husband Andrew and his brother John R. Cosmi and wife Cynthia; as well as 14 grandchildren and 11 nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral Mass on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation RC church, 1799 Hamburg Tpke. Wayne,NJ. Visiting on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.