Former Bragg School Principal Dies at 79

Raymond Paul Cosgrove, 79, passed away on June 25, 2014 surrounded by his loved ones in his home in Brick, NJ. Born in Paterson, to his parents Raymond Cosgrove and Irene McBride, Ray attended St Joseph's High School where he found two key passions in his life – a love for the game of basketball and the love of his life, Jean Helen Zdaniewicz. A star basketball player at St. Joe's, he won a scholarship to attend Marietta College, but instead chose to return to Paterson to marry his wife Jean.

Raymond joined the Army and served overseas in Germany. Ray and Jean began their family there with the birth of their son Raymond Anthony. Upon their return, Ray returned to college via the G.I. Bill, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education/Communication at William Paterson College. He began a career in education as a teacher, but continued his education and earned a Master's Degree in School Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. 
He continued his interest in basketball by coaching at Don Bosco Prep and playing against the visiting Harlem Globetrotters in fundraiser games for his school.
Raymond spent his professional career dedicated to the needs of New Jersey school children serving as a Social Studies Teacher in Franklin Lakes, an Assistant Principal at the Memorial Junior Middle School in Whippany and as the principal of Bragg School in Chester. As Principal, Raymond was a strong leader dedicated to expanding the opportunities available to his students.

It was in Chester that Raymond made his home with his family which now included three daughters, Debra, Patricia and Jacqueline. Ray became an active member of the Chester Lions Club. During these years, Ray could be seen organizing the vendors at the highly popular Chester Flea Market, selling tickets at the annual Oktoberfest or dressing as Santa at the annual children's Christmas party.

Ray also was a skilled negotiator always loving the art of "making the deal". Whether it was his experiences in real estate, his work at the Flea Market or his accomplishments in negotiating salary agreements for school administrators in his work as a Field Representative for the NJ Principals and Supervisors Association, Ray could successfully close the deal – and he loved to do just that.
Upon his retirement, Ray and Jean moved to Brick, New Jersey where they spent 13 happy years at the shore. During these years, he enjoyed visits to Atlantic City, Knicks/Giants games and most importantly his beautiful and beloved grandchildren, Cara and Ian Bradley and Nicholas and Olivia Evans.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Jean Cosgrove, his devoted children, Raymond Anthony Cosgrove, Debra Bradley, her husband John Bradley and their children Cara and Ian, Patricia Evans, her husband Geoff Evans and their children Nicholas and Olivia; and Jacqueline Cosgrove. Raymond is also survived by his loving sister Patricia Grant and his beloved niece Kathleen Grant and nephew James Grant.

The family will receive friends at the William J. Leber Funeral Home, 15 Furnace Road, Chester, NJ on Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be offered at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 61 Main Street, Flanders, NJ at 10:30 a.m. on Monday June 30, 2014. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Chester.

• In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Bragg School, The Raymond Cosgrove Memorial Fund, 50 North Road, Chester, NJ 07930.- See more at: http://www.williamjleberfh.com/tribute/details/618/Raymond_Cosgrove/obituary.html#content-start