John Richard Cogswell July 28, 1952 March 8, 2014 John Richard Cogswell, 61, of Portland, Maine, passed away Saturday March 8, 2014 after a long illness with his family at his side. He was born to the late Edward and Elizabeth Cogswell on July 28, 1952 in Portland, Maine. John graduated from Portland High School in 1971. John was a staple on the Portland waterfront for most of his life starting first as a lumper, then as a fisherman and finally moved into the buying and selling of fish for several different companies. Most recently John was a quality assurance supervisor at Bristol Seafood here in Portland. John was a loving husband and father, and also a devoted friend. He could always put a smile on your face. John also enjoyed music, writing and playing songs on his ukulele to entertain friends and family at holiday's and family parties. He would sing karaoke with his two sons John and Jason at many different events, and House of the Rising Sun was usually his song of choice. John taught his sons and many of his grandchildren to play the ukulele as well. When his grandchildren would visit, he would sit at the piano with them and teach them to play songs. Family was something that was always important to John; there was nothing that mattered more to him than spending time with them. He is the ""Rock"" of his family. The love of his life, his soul mate is his wife Catherine. He adored Cathy. Their love for each other began when she was only 14 and John was 15. They were married on July 2, 1971, and have been married for 43 years. They honeymooned in Hampton Beach, which through the years became a very special place for them. They would hike Mount Washington on their anniversaries and go for long bike rides. They would escape to the The Stonehurst Manor in North Conway for special time alone. John would often leave Cathy notes all over the place just to tell her he loved her. She was his rock and he was hers. Until the end of his life, Cathy was always by his bedside. Devotion isn't a strong enough word to describe what she has done over the past two months. The love they shared was immense; there are no words really to describe how much they loved and cared for each other. Everyday she would arrive at the hospital in the morning, and wouldn't leave until the night nurse came on. She cared for him like no other could. John and Cathy shared a bond like no other. A bond that will never be broken. John was very proud of and honored to become member of the Masons. Dick Doyle was not only a long time family friend, but also a mentor to John throughout his time as a Mason. John had a great deal of respect for him. John will be remembered for his kind heart and willingness to help anyone in need. He was truly a great friend and was someone you could always count on to help you when you were in need. Johns family would like to thank the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU) team and Dr. Tracey Weigel at Maine Medical Center for the care that they gave John. They will forever be grateful. John is survived by his wife Cathy (Holland) Cogswell, son Jason and his wife Rebekah of York, Maine and daughter Elizabeth Rideout and her husband Jeremy of Saco, Maine and thirteen grandchildren John Robert, Jewel, Arianna, Cassie, Jason, Christian, Bryce, Catie, Jeremy, Kaylee , Jordan, Kira, and Julian. His brother Eddie and his wife Pat, sister Molly and her husband Skip, sister Jamie and her partner Rich and sister Maggie. Along with his sister and brother in laws Mark and Franny Payne, Jimmy and Terri Odlin, Linda Miller and Nancy Holland. Along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother in law Timmy Holland, sister in law Susie Rich and oldest son John C. Cogswell. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The changing tide foundation 772 Island Ave Long Island, me 04050 A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Friday March 14, 2014 at 10:00 am.