Msgr. R. Roy Cosby
A funeral Mass was celebrated for Msgr. R. Roy Cosby at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond, Feb. 23. He passed away Feb. 18 at the age of 99.
Msgr. Cosby was born May 16, 1924 in Henrico. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech in 1944.
He then pursued his vocation to the priesthood, earning bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and theology from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore before being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Peter L. Ireton in 1954. He also earned a master’s in science from the University of Virginia.
From 1956 to 1970, Msgr. Cosby served at Holy Cross, Lynchburg; Blessed Sacrament, Norfolk; St. Bridget, Richmond; Holy Comforter, Charlottesville; Christ the King, Norfolk; St. Patrick, Richmond; St. Joseph, Columbia; and St. Francis, Staunton.
In 1970, he began serving in various roles in the Diocese of Arlington. In 1994, he was named vicar general. That same year, he was also named a monsignor.
Msgr. Cosby retired in 1999 and eventually returned to his family farm in Rockville. He served as chaplain for the Sisters of the Visitation at the nearby Monastery of the Visitation of Holy Mary, Monte Maria.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe Roy Cosby Sr. and Ida LaFratta Cosby; five brothers; and four sisters. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Elizabeth Cosby; close friends; and many nieces and nephews.