Richard Cosentino, 78, of Washington Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, surrounded by his wife and their five adult children. Known for his devotion to his family, his warm and friendly demeanor, and a great sense of humor, nobody who knew Rich well ever had a bad word to say about him.

Born in Philadelphia on Feb. 13, 1947, Rich lived in an Italian neighborhood that he often compared to the one depicted in the movie, “A Bronx Tale.” Around age 12, he moved with his family to South Jersey and attended St. Rose Grammar School in Haddon Heights before moving on to Gloucester Catholic High School, where he graduated as salutatorian and excelled in three sports. He was a key player on the school’s first-ever state championship team in boys basketball in 1964, with his defense and rebounding earning him a reputation as the best sixth man in New Jersey.

After high school, Rich attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C., where he continued to be a stellar student and also an athlete. More importantly, college is where he met the love of his life, Joyce, who later became his wife of nearly 55 years.

Rich was drafted by the Army and served in Vietnam following his college graduation, and upon returning home safely, he finished his education at the Rutgers University-Camden School of Law. His extensive career as an attorney included the co-founding of a highly successful firm in Haddonfield.

Outside of work, Rich loved taking vacations with his family and introducing his kids to different parts of the country, usually with a stop at an amusement park and an MLB ballpark to go with an educational experience like a museum or visitor’s center. After the kids had grown, he and Joyce enjoyed going on tropical cruises with their close friends or traveling to Italy, Ireland, France, and Portugal.

A passionate sports fan, particularly of the Philadelphia teams, Rich had the rare ability to yell and get angry during games without cursing, except for that one time he told off a Dallas fan at the Vet when the Eagles stopped Emmitt Smith on consecutive fourth-and-1 plays. His favorite team was the Phillies, who he supported as a longtime season ticket holder, and just about every game he went to at Citizens Bank Park included a trip to Bull’s BBQ.

Rich also loved playing and watching golf, with a visit to Augusta National among his treasured memories.

Even more than professional sports, Rich loved coaching and supporting his five kids in their athletic pursuits, and later watching his grandchildren play soccer, field hockey, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. He also coached basketball and baseball for 10 years at Haddonfield High School.

Rich was an avid reader who loved sharing legal, spy, and crime thrillers with Joyce. His other interests included a regular bridge group, trips to the Jersey Shore, hosting holiday and Super Bowl parties for family and friends, and going to the movies.

Son of the late Joseph and Katherine Cosentino, and brother to the late Joseph Cosentino, Rich is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his children, Andrew and his wife Erin, Matt and his girlfriend Heather, Steve and his girlfriend Wendy, Kara Bannon and her husband Ryan, and Kevin and his wife Jenn; and his grandchildren, Alexa, Ashlyn, Michael, Joey, Kayla, Nelson, Jordi, Chase, Cece, Lily, and Kevin.

Farewell Tribute

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Church of the Holy Family, 226 Hurffville Road, Sewell, NJ 08080. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., followed by Interment at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.

In lieu of flowers, Rich’s family kindly asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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