Frank “Rut” Cosner Sr. passed away on October 6, 2023. Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia and his parents William and Audene Cosner. He is survived by his brother Ralph (and sister-in-law Patricia) and three sons Frank Jr. (Patty Jr.), Chris (Vivien) and Wayne (Michelle). Frank was a 1959 graduate of New Hope-Solebury High School.
Frank and Patty Cosner shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. The couple met on a double-blind date (Frank’s date was a no-show so he split the cost of Patty’s movie ticket) and the rest, as they say, is history. Frank entered the Navy after graduating from New Hope-Solebury and on his first leave he told Patty they were getting married.
Frank was a dedicated volunteer for a number of local entities. He served with the Solebury Jaycees and was a key leader in putting on the annual New Hope Street Fair for many years. He assisted the Community Association annually with their Auto Show managing the logistics of parking and show admittance. Frank joined the Eagle Fire Company as a teenager and went on to serve as Chief and President in addition to holding many other positions over his 60 plus years of service. Frank had the unique skill of being able to unite people around a cause and get impossible tasks completed while making sure that everyone had fun doing it. Frank’s calmness under pressure and compassion benefited many New Hope-Solebury residents in their times of extreme need.
Frank loved to fish and hunt with his father, three sons and grandchildren. If you put a worm on the end of his rod, he could find trout in a mud puddle. Frank and Patty purchased the Cosner Cabin in northeast Pennsylvania 25 years ago and that is where he provided many fishing and life lessons to his grandchildren Katie (Tyler), MaryClare (Tyler), David (Kellie), Willie, Nicole and Daniel and three great-children Kendall, AJ and Liam.
Frank joined his father as a real estate agent at the Pidcock Agency in New Hope in the 60’s and went on to own the agency prior to retiring. Frank was famous for using napkins as stationary to do business at the Golden Pump or New Hope Diner or any other establishment he happened to be visiting. He served as President of the Bucks County Board of Realtors and was also on the Board of Directors of the New Hope Building and Loan and First Federal of Bucks County Savings and Loan.
Donations may be made in Frank’s honor to the New Hope Eagle Fire Company.
Once united in marriage Frank and Patty were never separated in life. The Cosner family will be celebrating their amazing story in a single ceremony on Sunday, November 5th at the Eagle Fire House starting at 12:00 noon.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Garefino Funeral Home, Lambertville, NJ.
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