Robert L. Cosgrove

Robert L. Cosgrove, 88, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2014 at Regency at the Park in College Place, Washington.

Bob was born on October 24, 1925 to William & Nellie Farmer Cosgrove in Kansas City, Missouri. Bob was the middle child of seven children. He attended several schools in numerous states due to his father’s railroad career. The family moved to Walla Walla in 1942; he graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1943. Bob married Patty Johnson in 1945; they were married 69 years this last May 12th.

He owned & operated the Green Park Service Station in the late forties and in 1950 began his 35 year career as a Brakeman/Conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad. He served as local chairman of United Transportation Union for several years.

Bob retired from the railroad in 1985 and he & Patty enjoyed many years of winter travel through the southern states. They also enjoyed the summer months at Williams and Silver Lakes near Spokane, Washington.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William & Nellie; 2 brothers, Bill & Tom; 4 sisters, Helen, Margaret, Betty & Patty; 1 son-in-law, Harold Royse. He is survived by his wife, Patty; daughters, Dianna Royse, Nancy Figgins & son-in-law, Gary Figgins, Jean Magnaghi & son-in-law, Bryon Magnaghi, Jane Potter & son-in-law, Charlie Potter; son, Jack Cosgrove & daughter-in-law, Kay Cosgrove; 11 grandchildren, Brenda Sullivan, John Royse, Amy Figgins, Christopher Figgins, Jason Magnaghi, Jill Moore, Dan Odem, Eric Odem, Erin Wright, Ashley Williams & Tyler Cosgrove; 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews.

Bob was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge & St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Herring Funeral Home with Deacon Jim Barrow officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Christian Aid Center of the Charity of Donor’s Choice through the funeral home.