"Me and Eric served together on the USS Mount Hood for 4 years . We were very close friends . It saddens my heart to lose such a incredible human being . Eric will be missed but never forgotten. We shared many great times together. In 2008 he suggested on having a navy reunion and I hosted it at my house . And the turnout was incredible. Every day I think of my buddy . I wish I could of made the services ,with these restrictions I was not allowed . Since i live in New York . I speak for everyone who served with Eric . He was a special kind of person ,the laugh he had was genuine and we all loved it . I will be cherishing the videos and pictures I have of my friend/shipmate forever . RIP brother . See ya on the other side "
In loving memory of
Eric Joseph Cosgriff
December 30, 1967 - November 16, 2020
Eric Joseph Cosgriff was born in Elyria, Ohio, son of Frank and Diane Farkas. Eric was the only son with three sisters, Lisa, Mary, and Tina. He moved to Lehigh Acres, Florida in 1978. Eric attended Riverdale High School and graduated in 1986. Right after high school he went into the Navy and was stationed in Concord, California. He became the Gunnersmate on the Mt. Hood and was honorably discharged in 1990.
Eric then moved back home to Florida where he met his future wife, Caroline Grace Newell, and have been together for 30 years. Eric and Caroline had one daughter, Dylan Grace who attended their wedding at 10 days old on June 15th, 2003.
Eric attended the University of South Florida, graduating with a degree in Criminology. In 1996 Eric joined the Phoenix Police Department and most recently on the Drug Enforcement Bureau.
Eric loved: travel, college football (Ohio State Buckeyes), music, laughing, working out, camping, fly fishing, golfing, attending concerts, going out to eat, his rescue dogs (Finley and Hoyer), his watch collection, foot rubs/back scratches and always had to have his morning coffee. He was also an amazing dancer.
"This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all." 1 John 1:5 NLT
Funeral services for Eric will be held on November 23, 2020, at
Hansen Mortuaries and Cemetery
6500 E Bell Road Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
There will be a public viewing from 12:00-2:00 pm; the service will begin at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, all donations can be made to the 100 Club.
Tributes
"Eric was the best neighbor and a great friend to many. I once needed help moving a boulder (seriously) in my yard and he cane over and spun this giant rock to where I wanted it to be. Such strength combined with care, that was Eric (?Cos?). "
"I have so many great stories and memories with Eric and Caroline that it?s impossible to pen them in a single location. Anyone that knew Eric was aware of his infectious laugh (it was Goodfellas quality) and he was quick of wit, as well as a catalyst for making everyone around him have a great time. He and I were in Atlanta in 1996 attending a Braves v Indians game..There were two large elementary school classes in our section decked out in Braves gear and cheering loudly for their home team. Eric, being a huge Indians fan, methodically started buying popcorn and candy for these kids and in return, they started cheering for the Indians. Within minutes, he had the entire section (kids/teachers/bystanders) cheering for the visiting team. Those kids were grinning ear to ear and having such a great time that once the game ended they were jeering and didn?t want to leave. He was a catalyst for good times and creating memories, didn?t sweat the small stuff and loved his family fiercely. He was a great son/brother/husband/father and friend to so many, I will miss our chats and talks. Visiting Phoenix won?t be the same. Godspeed and eternal peace, my Brother, until we meet again."
"We were buddies because our dads were buddies. Our families both relocated from Ohio to Florida as kids. We spent many days together and school and sports all the way through college classes. I know Caroline and Dylan will be forever grateful for your love. Prayers to both families and your mom and dad and sisters. God bless everyone and thanks for all the great memories Coz. Your name and legacy will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace brother. Love you, BK"
"Rest In Peace my dear friend. We are buddies since our dad were buddies. Couldn?t have asked for a better friend to grow up with all the way through college classes. I know Caroline and Dylan will be forever grateful for all your love. Prayers to both your families. Thinking of your mom and dad and sisters too. God bless you and know your name and legacy will never be forgotten. Thank you Coz for all the great memories. Love you brother, Brian Kinney and family ?"
"The first memory I have of Eric was him telling me the motorcycle officer who gave me a ticket was relentless and there was no way I was getting out of it. He also told me he couldn?t even get Caroline out of a ticket! We shared many memories living across the street for almost 7 years. I remember once he told me how through all the years he?d always remained faithful to Caroline. He looked at her with loving eyes. He really just loved her so much. Once we went camping at the Grand Canyon and I saw firsthand how close he was with Dylan. She adored her daddy and he was definitely her hero. Eric was a good friend to everyone he met. He was generous of spirit and just a loving person. Even when he was tired, he still had friendly words for the neighbors. We had a close family on our street that I dearly miss now that I have moved. The Cosgriff family brought everyone together. I love them so much. I will deeply feel this loss. Caroline and Dyl Pickle, you?re in my prayers. I still can?t believe he?s gone. Love you!"
"A brotherly friendship that I will never forget. I remember going on a YMCA caravan trip in 7th grade from FL to GA, NC and TN with several of out other friends. He went with me on family trips to FL Keys fishing, snorkeling and just having fun. We played baseball, basketball and soccer together for many, many years growing up. These are times I will cherish and remember forever ??"
"love you always daddy. forever my hero and best friend. so proud of you, i will make you the proudest. "
"The memory of Eric?s very enthusiastic laugh will stay with me forever. Eric was a devoted husband, father and public servant. Eric was a friend to anyone who needed one and he cherished those relationships. Everyone believed they were Eric?s best friend because that?s how he treated all who had the honor of calling him friend. Love you Cos. Mike"