By Joe Loccisano
Recently, Long Island lost an icon in the aviation industry. Richard Cosgrove started working in business aviation in the 50’s around the same time Charles Lindbergh recommended that Pan Am purchase Falcon 20s to start a business aviation division. Dick loved airplanes, loved this industry, and loved the people he supported over a very long career. Over the course of his life, he had owned and operated a 1956 Cessna 172, a Beach 18, a Turbo Commander, and even a hot air balloon! He loved flying and being a part of aviation. He did whatever he could to support the people that directly maintained aircraft. He strived to make sure that his company had the parts on the shelf or to quickly get them to you so we could get our aircraft back in the air. Having known him for years, I know the urgency and importance that he felt in keeping everyone supplied with what we needed to do our jobs well. There were no awards for this, no great recognition, no “thank you!” that a pilot or mechanic might see for a job well done. Anyone who knew him will tell you he did it because he loved being a part of aviation, and part of a group a people that comes together to get an aircraft back in the air. His genuine caring was the foundation of his business. He was the epitome of the “business on a handshake” kind of guy. One time, when I needed just a few panel screws for an early morning departure, his son John Cosgrove didn’t think twice about getting out of bed, driving to Hauppauge, getting those screws, and delivering them too me himself because he, like everyone at Cosgrove, understood the importance of meeting a departure time. May we carry forward his spirit of camaraderie, dedication, and love for aviation as we all continue to soar to new heights. Thank you, Richard Cosgrove, for your enduring contributions to the skies and the people who call them home.
