Whom We Miss: Mr. Richard R. Cosby, Father of Our Friend Rita Cosby
Mr. Richard R. Cosby
August 4, 1925 - June 25, 2012
Alexandria, Virginia
Beloved husband and father Richard Cosby died on June 25, 2012 in Alexandria, VA after losing his battle to cancer. At Whom You Know, we met him through Rita's fine words in Quiet Hero:
Richard was a teenage Polish Resistance fighter during the historic Warsaw Uprising in World War II. Severely injured, he became a Prisoner of War at a Nazi camp, who was able to escape, and was eventually saved by US forces in 1945. He then enlisted in the Polish 2nd Corps, a division of the British Army, before graduating from the University of London, Queen Mary College with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Immigrating to the United States in 1956, he began work on the construction of the Interstate Highway System throughout the Northeast. Working for Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers, he also helped build additions on many famous Washington DC structures including: the Dirksen Senate Office Building, the National Gallery of Art, the Library of Congress, and the Canadian Embassy.
An avid runner, Richard completed more than 30 marathons to include the Boston, New York, and United States Marine Corps marathons, winning the latter in the age 70 and older category. He also volunteered for decades, teaching swimming and CPR, for the American Red Cross and Boy Scouts.
Richard's life story was profiled in his daughter's best selling book, "Quiet Hero: Secrets From My Father's Past," and he received many accolades for his military heroism. They include the prestigious Medal of Honor Society's Major General James E. Livingston Award, The Americanism Award presented by The Daughters of The American Revolution, and a Gold Medal for Valor by the Defense Minister of Poland.
He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Judith Cosby; children, Alan (Katie) Cosby, Rita (Tomaczek Bednarek) Cosby, and Eric Cosby; and grandchildren, Alexandra and James Cosby.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a contribution in Richard's name to the USO's Operation Enduring Care Program or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
FUNERAL SERVICES
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Friday, August 03
3:00 PM 
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
1427 Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22302
