William Victor Cosgrove was born in Bronx, N.Y. on November 20, 1918. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943, refusing to let his younger brother enlist by himself. At this time he was already employed by the NYPD and took a leave to enlist. He served aboard the USS Shangri-La, (CV38), an aircraft carrier deployed in the Pacific Theatre which provided combat air patrols for its assigned task group. It also provided close air support for ground troops landing in Okinawa and participated in air attacks on Japan. After Japan’s surrender he provided policing duty in that country, using his skill as a NYPD policeman.
Upon his discharge from the U.S. Navy, he resumed his duties for the NYPD, rising to the rank of Lieutenant before retiring with a 35 year distinguished career.
He eventually settled in East Quogue, where he was a longstanding member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus and served as head usher at St. Rosalie’s parish for many years. He passed peacefully on May 3, 2015 at the age of 96.
