Obituary: John Avery Cosgrove, 37, of East Hampton

EAAST HAMPTON, CT - (From Biega Funeral Home) John Avery Cosgrove, age 37, beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, passed away quietly at his home on August 23, 2021. He was born in Hartford, CT on May 23, 1984.

John attended East Hampton schools, Mooreland Hill School Middle School, graduated from East Hampton High in 2003. John lived for many years in Moodus.

From very young childhood, John had an insatiable desire to know all he could about boats, the water and tides, and navigation. He had the advantage of learning at the heels of a master of such things in his beloved grandfather—a crusty old salt named, Jarvis.

John, like Jarvis, also had an unquantifiable natural marine ability that few possess. He was an A+ student at the “school” of Portland Boat Works. His absolute favorite days were spent taking the PBW built, “George E Bumstead” Maine-hull, down the river, out into the Sound and many times, on to foggy, rolling waters of Nantucket and “the Block”.

He also held a 100GT USCG Captain’s License and Towing Endorsement. He enjoyed the roar of big trucks and had a passion for truck pulls. As an adult, John established “Nor’easter Marine LLC” and performed marine custom fabrications, repairs and specialty painter. John took satisfaction and pride in completing well, projects that others were reluctant to take on.

John leaves his father, Jack Cosgrove, with whom he recently lived, his mother, Jeanie Meloney (Carl), of East Hampton, a sister, Jessica Sponseller (Brian) of Hartsville, SC and their children, John’s precious niece, Svea Avery Sponseller and nephew, Ben Sponseller. John was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Irene and John Cosgrove, and Jarvis and Doris Barton, and a cousin, David Antonucci.

He also leaves uncles, Paul Barton (Sharon) of Old Lyme, their children, Todd (Jennifer), Tiffanie (Fritz); Greg Barton (Ginny) of West Winfield, NY, their children, Jennifer, Jill, Erin (Marty), Curry (Fred), Megan (Daryl) and Ben (Jen) and their children. He also leaves an aunt, Holly Genevesio (John) of Idaho, and her son, Kevin Antonucci (Deena) and their children.

John also leaves behind many good and special life-long friends.

His family wishes to thank all of those caregivers, medical professionals and faithful friends and family members who supported John throughout his long battle with Alcoholism. It is a gift that will be cherished through eternity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Maine Seacoast Mission, 127 West St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609, in honor of John. John’s life will be remembered at a celebration, time and place to be announced.

To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.