About Us
Legacy of a Hero is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization founded in honor of L/Cpl Chris Cosgrove III, created to help all heroes, military and first responders, and their families who are in need.
In Honor of Chris Cosgrove III
Chris was a member of the Golf Company located at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ. He was serving with Charlie Company from Connecticut when he was deployed in 2006 to Fallujah, Iraq. On October 1st, 2006 Chris was killed by a suicide car bomber at an entry control point in Fallujah. Chris was less than one week away from leaving Iraq to begin his journey home.
Chris was a graduate of Whippany Park High School in New Jersey and Monmouth University. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in History, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves. He graduated from boot camp at Parris Island, SC in August 2004.
Upon graduating from Monmouth University, Chris immediately attended the School of Infantry training at Camp Geiger, NC. Chris was a member of the Marine Corps League, Slattery Detachment 206 in Whippany, NJ.
While serving in Iraq, Chris was nominated and accepted to serve as the Marine Corps League Junior Vice-Commandant upon his return home.
Chris was engaged to be married on August 10th, 2007. Chris is survived by his Mother, Charlene, and step-father, Art, who live in Cedar Knolls..
Our Mission
The mission of Legacy Of A Hero The Lance Corporal Chris Cosgrove III Foundation, Inc., is to provide financial support to scholarships and individuals or their families who are in need as a result of their service to our country while in the U.S. military, particularly the US Marine Corps and Police, Fire and other First Responders in the NY, NJ, PA and CT areas
Our Vision
Our vision is that the brave men and women of the armed services, police, fire fighters and first responders who have sacrificed so much for us will always have the resources and support they need.
Board of Directors
Charlene Cosgrove-Bowie
Charlene, mother of L/Cpl Chris Cosgrove III, co-founded the Legacy Of A Hero Foundation. She's active in the Marine Corps League Slattery Detachment #206 and the Gold Star Mother’s organization. After leaving a 31-year career at Prudential Financial, she worked at Picatinny Arsenal's Family, Morale, Welfare & Recreation Department for a decade. Her roles at Prudential included managing Information Security and teaching technology classes. Formerly of Cedar Knolls, she now lives in Roxbury Township, NJ with her husband, Art.
Renee Artiges
Renee, recently retired, was the Vice President of Infrastructure and SysDev at Prudential Financial, where she worked since 1984. An experienced Agile Coach, she helped organizations align business, technology, and processes using Agile/Lean principles. She led the Agile Adaption at Prudential. Renee holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Management from Caldwell University.
Alice Capparucci
Alice has been with Prudential Financial since 1981, starting as a secretary and advancing to a Senior Executive Assistant. After eight years as a DCN Associate in IT Infrastructure, she returned to her passion in the secretarial field in 2017, serving as an Executive Assistant to four VPs. Alice, a Berkeley College graduate, is dedicated to volunteering for the "Legacy Of A Hero" foundation, aiming to make a difference in her community.
John Capasso, Jr.
John, a financial analyst at Prudential Financial, uses his data analysis and statistics skills to drive business solutions. Raised on the principle of service, he's always sought to impact his community. He chaired the VETNET business resource group at Prudential, focusing on the professional development of associates and veterans' needs. He's also a dedicated United Service Organizations volunteer and serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Legacy of a Hero. John holds a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University and an MBA from New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Russ Yorks
Russ Yorks manages operationalized programs at Workforce Opportunity Services (WOS), helping military veterans and early career adults build skills and find employment. He joined WOS in 2011, running the Prudential veterans program. Before WOS, Russ worked in commercial mortgage banking, underwriting multimillion-dollar assets. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Master of Arts in Economics and Education from Columbia University. Russ also serves in the Air National Guard as a Technical Sergeant.
