Born: November 16, 1977
Died: November 6, 2022
Tom Cosola, an unconquerable man of strength, toughness and love passed away unexpectedly November 6, 2022. To those who knew him best, and whose hearts are irreparably broken at his loss, is now the added shock and surprise that he’d give in to anything, or anyone — including death itself.
Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia to Peter Hinman-Cosola and Marjorie Cosola on November 16, 1977, his early life served as a proving ground for his later service as one of his generations most elite warriors and leaders of men. A talented athlete, Tom could hit for power, defend the back half, swim a mean breaststroke, or literally break your nose. He was his little brother’s protector (and occasional tormentor) while helping raise him to be a man and U.S. Marine, which, ironically, still made him a bit too soft for Tom.
Built like a superhero and better looking than Superman, Tom was a voracious reader, music connoisseur, movie critic and clothes horse. He held some of the “toughest” jobs you could as a young, good-looking man-about-town – lifeguard, personal trainer, fraternity president – and graduated from Alfred University with a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. He would meet and marry his first wife, Betsy Brightman, before eventually enlisting in the United States Army in 2006 to embark on the great adventure of his life.
Tom initially trained as a Preventative Medicine specialist before finding his life as a soldier too easy. He begged for the opportunity to jump out of perfectly good airplanes and earned his jump wings from Army Airborne school in Fort Benning, Georgia in 2008. He was a sergeant before being accepted into Officer Candidate School in 2010, graduating as the Distinguished Military Graduate of Class 07-10. As a mustang officer, Tom led his troops into combat as a member of 2nd Squadron, 38th U.S. Cavalry Regiment Phantom Trackers and Task Force Viper in Afghanistan from June 30, 2011, to May 30, 2012, engaging in more than 180 combat missions and earning a Bronze Star Medal for his exceptional service under fire.
He drove tanks. He was a company commander. He was a proud solider. But he was most proud of simply being Dad to his son, Jackson, who he welcomed in 2008. An unsmiling hardened combat veteran, Tom melted for his son. The laughter, joy, baseball games and bike rides they shared together are an enduring legacy of their love and a monument to the man he was.
As a civilian, Tom was a natural problem solver and leader in the supply chain and logistics industry, working with Flower City Printing, Calero-MDSL and BCI Buckeye Corrugated in the Rochester, New York area. He loved, and was loved, by his second wife, Chrissie Marie, and her children, Sophie and Nicholas.
And he drove too damn fast. And he worked too damn hard. He was uncompromising. He was a father. Husband. Big brother. Son. He was loved.
And he’s gone too soon.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Veterans Outreach Center.
Tom will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a future ceremony.
Comments
13 responses to “Cosola, Thomas Gary “Tom””
Wonderfully said. Jeff, you summed Tom up perfectly.I will miss my first born, but pray every day for the brother he left behind.
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I send heartfelt condolences to his parents and brother and wife and children. So saddened by a life taken too soon.
It is impossible to share the sadness I feel today as I remember the child I first held in two hands in our living room in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. I will never forget the wonderful memories of my Thom as he grew into one of the most honorable of men. May his peace be undisturbed and may he now watch over me as I watched over him during his growing years. I love you Thomas Gary and may God keep you and his angels comfort you.
My condolences Cosola family. I was shocked and saddened by my old friend and fraternity brother. AEKDB Tom.
We are incredibly sad at the loss of your strong, proud, brave, and generous still so young son …. and awesome big brother. We remember him as invincible but kind…to all of us in his extended family, especially to his grandparents Uncle Bill and Aunt Rosie to whom he showed so much respect and love. I know they are with him right now! We are so sad for all of you close to him every day, and for all our cousins too. He was so very loved, a part of all of us.
I am very sorry for your loss, yet grateful to have known this fine fellow. This is perhaps the most eloquent description of a loved one I have ever read and I hope all are comforted by it.
My prayers are with all of you God bless his family and thank you for your service May you rest in peace.,,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Love you all!
The Cosola family built many memories for those of us in Wayland, NY . Victory Park, Wayland-Cohocton Schools, community function, etc.. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry to see this… My heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family… to Chrissie, Nick and Sophie…. to all who cared about this larger-than-life man. May angels welcome him to paradise… may martyrs greet him on his way! May he see the face of the Lord this day, alleluia…. Alleluia!
Really sorry to hear this. Tom was one of the first people I met at college at Alfred and he took me under his wing and showed me around. He was kind, athletic, respectful and all of those other words he exemplified. Rest in peace to a good man.
I will miss you for all of my days. Rest in peace my Tommy.
We are so sad about Tom leaving us so soon. He forever holds a special place in my heart as a kindred soul. May he have eternal rest in heaven. Now he gets to visit with Mom and Dad all the time and laugh at us down here because he is free. Much love, Tommy. RIP