I will miss you terribly buddy. I know without a doubt Heaven was made for people like you. You taught me tons about police work but more about life. I hope someday I can be half the good and strong man you are. I will always love you my brother.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to have worked with Tony knew the value of the man as a partner, a leader and as a friend. Tony's street courage and his willingness to stand up for his Officers was on display throughout his career.

But it was in retirement where he battled the negative forces of aging and the onset of one incurable medical condition after another that he became a profile in personal courage.

As the last seven years passed and we lost more friends to illness or expanded the number of inductees into the zipper club or watched others struggle to cope with disabilities, few could match that which Tony faced. Call it heart, courage or stoic British heritage Tony faced each setback with a smile and a determination to enjoy each minute he could squeeze out of life. Through hundreds of phone calls and too few visits (each a special memory) the number of “ah OB I just don’t know mate” uttered in a down tone could be counted on one hand. Hospital visits and unscheduled ER Runs ended in one no hope diagnosis after another. Each encounter seemed to terminate with the end of life pep talks. Finally an electric vest-sci-fi experiment would give him time and a reasonable quality of life. The manner in which he embraced this situation proved that a real man’s heart does not reside in his chest but in his soul. With the reality that each day could be his last Tony squeezed as much life into the last seven years as any man could hope for. Surely there were those moments when he must have been down or wondered why me? -most I am sure he chose not to share with those who cared for him. With the support of family and a constant nudge from Danny Varrenti. Tony chose to face life with all its challenges with an infectious smile on his face. The last years of his life were truly a profile in personal courage.

Rest well my friend-you are missed

I would like to send condolences to Tony’s family. I was a student at JMHS with Tony and on the soccer team with him. All I can say is he had one hell of a kick! After graduation we lost contact with each other for a few years. But then career choices caused us both to cross paths again. However we were in different PD’s. Over the years it was easy to reach out to Tony to always help another agency. Then later as Tony finished his law enforcement career we still crossed paths to share life’s stories at Rocky’s for lunch. Tony will be missed by all of us who got to share a little of life’s time developing long lasting friendship.

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Cotsworth Family for your loss. Tony was an excellent Sgt. who knew his job and did it with sincerity and honor. He will be missed, and I will remember him as a great asset to the Rochester Police Department. My God give the Cotsworth Family strength during this challenging time. God Bless, RIP..

I haven’t seen Tony in several years, but he was really great guy, great cop and the kind of guy you’d want to stand with you. He dedicated a good portion of his life to the Rochester Police Department and the citizens it served. Tony will be greatly missed, but NEVER forgotten. RIP Miles.

The Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees (ARPALER) sends condolences and prayers to the family of Sergeant Anthony Cotsworth, and we salute him for his service to his country and community. Rest in peace Brother.

Such a kind and gentle soul wrapped up with a great sense of humor. We are all better for having known Tony.

Everyone Tony worked with at his second career at Securitas will remember him as outgoing, helpful and willing to go that extra mile. Sending many blessings to the Cotsworth family.

Tony and I go back to April of 1968 when we both went through Combat Preparedness school before we went overseas. Years later we reconected he on the RPD and I on the Sheriffs office. Tonys passing is a real loss for everyone. He was a good man who will be missed by all,

Rest well Mate it is well earned

Jim Earley