Obituary of Dennis A. Coseo

Dennis A. Coseo

Elmira:  Passed peacefully at home, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife and children, at the age of 83.

Denny was born in Richmond VA to Earl and Mary Coseo.  He moved to Canton NY and graduated from Canton High School.  He was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of the varsity hockey team in his freshman year, and once for his individual accomplishments.  After high school he attended Berwick Academy Prep School and then went on to Bemidji State University in Minnesota, where he played hockey.

Denny worked for Utica Mutual Insurance Company and when he transferred to Elmira he met his wonderful wife Mary Ellen.  They married on April 12, 1969.  They had five children and built a life completely around family.

In 1985 Denny and Mary Ellen had an opportunity to begin working together in insurance and The Coseo Agency began in the basement of their family home.  They worked every day together until their retirement. 

Denny made Elmira his home.  He loved sports and coached for many years at all levels. Denny coached hockey, baseball, basketball, and football.   Most recently he coached his grandson, Avery, alongside his son Matthew, an experience he cherished.  He was a founding member of TTAHA, Elmira’s local youth hockey organization.  An avid golfer, Denny accomplished a hole in one!  He enjoyed his Tuesday golf league and made many friends along the way.

Denny was an amazing man who always put family first.  He was a good friend, and his calm and loving way drew people to him.  The Coseo home was always open to all kids.  Denny would famously serve ice cream sandwiches on the pool deck. 

Denny was a devout Catholic and faithful communicant of St. Patrick’s Church where he volunteered as a CYO coach for many years, delivered Christmas baskets, taught Confirmation Classes, PreCana, and always looked forward to the church festival and rolling pizza fritta.  His deep faith is what carried him through his illness.

Denny is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 56 years, Mary Ellen (Maloney) Coseo, five children, with their spouses, Kathleen and Louis Viselli, Christine and Tom Shea, Dennis and Dr. Jennifer Coseo, Anne and Seth Clark, Matthew and Margaret Coseo.  Denny was affectionately called “Dubba” by his thirteen adoring grandchildren, Nicholas and Caroline Viselli, Laura, Aidan (Delainey) and Kevin Shea, Emily, Lauren, and Audry Coseo, John, Ella, and Daniel Clark, Avery, Charlie, and Liam Coseo.  Also surviving are his in-laws, Bill Maloney, George and Dianne Maloney, Elizabeth Maloney, Kathy and Greg Conlon, Deb Coseo, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. 

Denny is predeceased by his parents, brothers, Greg (Oda) and David, his in-laws J. William and Marion Maloney.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira, on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:45 a.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira.  A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic).  Interment will take place on Monday, March 31, 2025 at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Those wishing may remember Denny with a donation to Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Avenue, Elmira NY 14904.