Clarence Allison Cosgrove, a former longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away peacefully at his residence in Santa Monica on January 23. His health had declined following the recent death of his wife of 72 years, Mary Elizabeth Cosgrove. He was 94. Born in Bisbee, Arizona, Clarence studied engineering at Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona and had a successful career as a construction engineer, estimator, designer and project manager. He worked with Phelps-Dodge, Bechtel, Anaconda Copper (in Sonora, Mexico), Del Webb and the James Stewart Company of Phoenix for 25 years, becoming a vice president. His projects included large office buildings in Phoenix and Tucson, veterans’ hospitals in Phoenix and Denver, a Travis AFB project, a Howard Johnson hotel in Salt Lake City, an enormous warehouse in San Diego and an extensive housing development in Fairfax, Virginia, that includes shopping malls and subdivisions. In 1970, Clarence and his wife Mary moved into a home on Arno Way, above the Bel-Air Bay Club. Throughout his life, Clarence always placed his family first, for which his family is eternally grateful. His life exemplified a strength and energy that stemmed from his pioneering heritage. He is survived by his son Michael of Menlo Park; his daughter Betty Ann Foster (husband Charles) of Pacific Palisades; his grandchildren Christopher Foster, Julie Ann Foster Villablanca, Stephen Foster, Dr. Kennedy Cosgrove, Dr. Erica Cosgrove Thompson, Cati Cosgrove and Jonathan Cosgrove; and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. today, January 27, at Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, corner of Sunset and El Medio.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
