James F. “Jim” Cosgrove, 90

September 7, 1933 - May 14, 2024

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of James F. “Jim” Cosgrove. Born on September 7, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA, Jim peacefully departed on May 14, 2024, in Lancaster, PA surrounded by his family. A devoted family man, he leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Kathleen (Sullivan) Cosgrove.

Jim was a man of honor and dedication, proudly serving his country in the US Army. He began his time in the Army in basic training at Ft Gordon, GA, transitioned to Anniston, AL, served in Edgewood, MD in the Army Chemical Corps and was stationed in the French Occupation Zone of post-World War II Germany.

He was a graduate of Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia, and following his Army discharge, he attended and graduated from LaSalle University where he was a member of the Varsity Club and the Men’s Rowing Team. As a member of the Rowing Team, he was a Dad Vail Champion in 1958 & 1959. He was also a member of the Schuylkill Navy and rowed for Fairmount Rowing Association.

After their marriage, Jim moved to Lancaster County and purchased the Historic Revere Tavern in 1965. He transformed the small historic building into the cherished family establishment that it is today. In addition to the Revere Tavern, he built the award winning Best Western Revere Inn & Suites, where his commitment to excellence shone through in every aspect of the business. Jim recently celebrated 50 years with Best Western and served as a Best Western Governor for 15 years. He was deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of his businesses for over six decades, earning a reputation for honesty and integrity. His impact on the community and the lives he touched will forever be remembered.

In addition to his loving wife Kathy, he is survived by his children, James J. Cosgrove of Lancaster, Patricia, wife of Timothy Watson of Leola, and Christine, wife of Joseph Edgell of Leola; grandchildren, Erica Ostrum (Christopher) of East Petersburg, Timothy “TJ” Watson (Emily) of Pittsburgh, and Angela Edgell of Manheim. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Francis J. and Catherine A. (Ksiazkiewicz) Cosgrove as well as his brothers, John T. Cosgrove of Gordonville, and The Honorable Francis P. Cosgrove, of Philadelphia. In addition to his eleven nieces and nephews, he’s further survived by many dedicated and loyal staff members that through the years have become like family.

Jim was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Northeast Catholic Alumni Association, and the Gap VFW.
The family wants to thank Connie and Meredith at the Hyperbaric Oxygenation Center in Columbia, Pa. for the months of care and treatment they provided for Jim following a severe stoke in 1997. It enabled Jim to return to a near normal life, returning to work part-time, and do a lot of travelling, especially on cruise ships.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601, on May 22, 2024, at 11:00 am, with visitation starting at 10:00 am. A private final farewell and burial will take place at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or The Wounded Warrior Project.