Eric Elijah Cosby, affectionately called “Lumpy” by his family and close friends, passed away on June 9th.
He was born in Philadelphia to Warren Sr. and Virginia Cosby on November 8, 1955.
Eric was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system and graduated from Frankford High School in 1973. After graduation, he matriculated at Savannah State College in Savannah, Georgia. Eric later enlisted in the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged in 1976. Eric remained an active veteran of the military until his untimely death.
Eric was a committed and dedicated employee. He worked for PECO for a number of years until he was employed with the Philadelphia School District as a School Police Officer for more than 25 years. Eric, affectionately known as “Koz” around the around the School District worked to protect teachers, families and loved so many children who were students at the School District.
Eric gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age at the Star of Hope Baptist church where he was an active member until his death. Eric participated in Bible Study regularly and often asked many questions. He was a member of the Trustee Board, Male Usher Board, Men’s Chorus, Mass Choir, and Security. Eric loved his church home and most of all he loved the Lord.
Eric was a generous giver and supporter of his niece’s church, Greater Restoration Cathedral where he was affectionately known as “Unc” by the members. Eric believed in Mission work as he would generously give to Lott Carey Foreign Mission, Veterans Affairs, and St. Jude.
Eric had an infectious smile, distinctive laugh and a way with words. He was a jokester and could be found cracking jokes and pulling pranks with his family and friends.
Children LOVED him. He was known as the “Candyman” to all children. You can rest assured that he would have candy, gum, pastries, ice cream and Snickers bars.
Eric enjoyed cooking and making banana pudding and chocolate banana pudding. He was an all-around athlete. He enjoyed basketball and played all around Philadelphia in his hay days. He was an avid football fan and his favorite team was the Philadelphia Eagles. He loved sports and supported his nephews and encouraged them to play.
Eric was known around the country and you could not travel without him knowing someone. Eric enjoyed giving gifts to his family. He enjoyed shopping and traveling. Although Eric was known as being frank with his words and hard; he was also known as being a warm and kind man. He loved hard. His favorite scripture was Psalm 23. His favorite song was by the Canon Singers, “Clean Up”.
Eric married the love of his life Veronda Mann on February 12, 2011, and he remained married to her and cared for her until her death in August of 2017.
Eric leaves the following to mourn his passing: his three children: Eric, Tiffany and Elijah; four stepchildren, eight grandchildren; Tyree, Tamia, and Mahnaiyah; Terrance, Mahasin; Yaquies, Sada, Asad; five siblings: Warren, Jr.; Donald (Mattie); Gail Marable; Henry; James (Tera); one uncle James Clark (Joyce) and one aunt Evelyn Carter; seven nieces and nephews, a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins; two childhood friends; Gordon Tuner and Abdul Muqeet Tawaab. Eric’s wife, mother, father and nephew preceded him in death.
Eric was interred at Washing Crossing National Cemetery with full military honors.
Eric Elijah Cosby,
We thank you for your service!!!
