Frederick J. Cosgrave

Frederick J. Cosgrave, 86, of Wynnewood at Wyomissing Apartments and formerly of 1412 Museum Road, Reading, died January 23, 2012 in the Reading Hospital.

Born in Reading, PA on June 8, 1925, he was a son of the late Charles F. and Sarah (Morris) Cosgrave.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary T. (Bigos) Cosgrave on November 19, 1997 and by his daughter, Deborah A. Cosgrave on September 26, 2000.

Frederick is survived by a son, Kevin R. Cosgrave, with whom he resided. He is also survived by a brother, Richard M., husband of Doris (Floyd) Cosgrave of Wyomissing and two sisters: Jean M., wife of Bernard Guiles of Wyomissing and Ruth F., wife of David Klahr of Orlando, Florida.

He was predeceased by an older brother, Leon E. Cosgrave, who died August 1973.

Frederick was a graduate of Reading High School, class of 1942. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WW II, having served as an Aviation Machinist Mate aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Ranger in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of War.

He was employed by the former Continental Can Co. at 7th and Laurel Sts. in Reading for thirty years. During that time he served as the Vice President and then the President of Local Union 5659 of the United Steelworkers of America.

In 1975, he was hired as a staff representative for the steelworkers. In 1978, he was promoted to the position of Reading Sub District Director of the Steelworkers. He retired in 1989.

Frederick was a member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church, Reading, where he served two terms on the Parish Council.

He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Reading Area Community College in 1977 - 1978.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00 am in the Chapel of Resurrection at Gethsemane Cemetery, 3139 Kutztown Road., Muhlenberg Township. A viewing will be held Thursday from 8:30 - 9:30 am in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Entombment with Military Honors will be in Gethsemane Mausoleum, Muhlenberg Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX. 75231For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com