Peter J Cosenza

Peter J. Cosenza, 71, of Dennis Port and formerly of Worcester, passed away peaceful Tuesday, February 27th, 2018 with the ones he loved surrounding his bedside after a valiant battle with cancer.    Peter, born in Worcester, the only child of Natale and Rosalie (Bianco) Cosenza; he was raised in Worcester, graduated from North High School, and joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  At the age of 15 and part-time after school, Peter began a career in Haircare with his father.   After discharge from the service, he graduated from Brom’s Academy earning his certificate as a barber.   He later opened the Hairs Inn in the center of Shrewsbury, working with family, until turning the Shrewsbury Shop over to his son in 2005 and moving to Dennis Port.   Not willing to fully retire from the Hair Care business, he opened Skip’s barber shop at the cape in South Yarmouth. He was working there catering to customers until becoming ill.  The Shop he founded in Shrewsbury continues proudly under the guidance of his son Peter.    Peter on November 19, 1967, married his childhood sweetheart Cathy Belsito and began a 50 year love affair raising their family in a household  dedicated to family.  Peter was the backbone of his family and remained devoted to his nearest and dearest, especially his wife, children and beautiful grandchildren, whom he helped raise.   He truly believed that faith, family and friends were the most important parts of his life.  His unwavering faith kept him grounded and guided him through life’s challengers.  His caring soul will never be forgotten and live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.    Peter is survived by his devoted love and wife of 50 years, Cathy; his three children, Peter J. Cosenza, Jr and his wife Gina of Worcester, Theresa “Teri” Trotto and her husband Matthew of Millbury,  and Natale Cosenza of Worcester;   his four grandchildren, Alisia Cosenza, Bianca Theresa (Cosenza) Joseph, who he helped raise, along with Matthew Trotto, Jr and Mya Trotto;  two great granddaughters, Aubriana Sophia and Isabella Rosalie, daughters of Andrew Joseph, husband of Bianca Joseph. Many nieces, nephews, extended family and a group of best friends  from childhood, customers and others he met along the way.    Peter, enjoyed most of all being with Cathy who was always there for him, his children, grandchildren.  He loved the Cape, golfing especially at the Dennis Pines, and Greenhill Country Club, the beach, travel especially to Myrtle Beach and Florida with his friends, car shows and being outside.  He was also a Yankee fan, but also remained true to his Boston sports teams. The Jimmy Fund influenced his admiration for the Red Sox.   Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Sunday, March 4th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   His funeral will be held Monday, March 5th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd where his celebration of life mass will be held at 10:00 am.  Burial with military honors will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.    The Cosenza family would like to thank the Doctors, especially Mario’s Giannakis, nurses and staff of the Dana-Farber Cancer institute and Brigham and Women’s Medical Center for the care, comfort and compassion during a very difficult period.