John Joseph Cossu Sr.

John Joseph Cossu Sr., 78, of Washington, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026, in Transitions Healthcare, Washington.

Born on November 30, 1947, in Washington, he was a son of the late Sammy Cossu and Mary Jane Carpenter Mancina.

He was a graduate of Trinity High School and went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy, earning the rank of SR, and was given the National Defense Service Medal. After his time in the Navy, John went on to work a multitude of jobs, including, owning a local bar for over 10 years called the Cozy Corner, working as a self employed electrician, and most notably, working as a coal miner for many years with Consol Energy.

John was truly an outdoorsman, spending all the time he could in the great outdoors. He loved going fishing, hunting, and considered himself to be a sportsman. He also enjoyed a good game of pool.

John is survived by his beloved spouse of 59 years, Shirley Ann Burk Cossu. They married on March 18, 1967.

In addition to his spouse, he also leaves behind a son, John Joseph (Jamie) Cossu Jr.; two daughters, Joni R. (Scott) Welsh and Maryanne (Rick) MacFarlane; a sister, Patricia Georgetti; a stepsister, Mary Burk; grandchildren John Thurman Cossu, Leah Katherine Cossu, Michael (Rachel) Hildebrand, Amber (Andrew) Gibson, Jeremy (Holly) Hildebrand, Bradley Walker, Brant Walker, Jordan (Kelsey) MacFarlane, Morgan MacFarlane, and Lillyann Earley; and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his stepfather, Frank Mancina, and his stepbrother, Frank Muncie.

Private services have been entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.

A celebration of life is set to be held at a later date at the American Legion Post 175, 168 Park Ave, Washington, details to follow.