G
. Joseph Cosenza co-founded Oak Brook-based Inland Real Estate Group with two college fraternity brothers and a fellow schoolteacher in the 1960s. The company grew from a single three-flat building on the West Side into one of the nation's largest commercial real estate firms and a major privately held company in the Chicago area. Cosenza spent 56 years at Inland, holding key roles including vice chairman and head of acquisitions.
Cosenza was known for his boundless enthusiasm and deal-making skills, which earned him a reputation as a legend in the industry. "He lived life to the fullest with an endless supply of energy that was nothing short of inspirational," said Tony Chereso, Inland's CEO and president.
Born in Chicago, Cosenza grew up in Bellwood and graduated from Proviso West High School. He earned degrees from Northeastern Illinois University and Northern Illinois University before starting his career as a schoolteacher and administrator. Cosenza later transitioned to real estate, joining Daniel Goodwin and Robert D. Parks in their ventures.
The trio formed Inland in 1968, initially focusing on constructing single-family houses and apartment buildings. By the mid-1970s, Inland had expanded into property management, brokerage services, and other related businesses. Cosenza played a crucial role in the company's growth, leading its real estate acquisitions function and serving as president from 1985.
Under his leadership, Inland grew to manage over 96,000 apartment units across 49 states and owned hundreds of millions of square feet of commercial property. The company expanded into self-storage facilities, student housing, hotels, and medical facilities, employing over 1,400 people.
Cosenza never retired from Inland and was known for his personal style, wearing bow ties to work each day and sporting cufflinks with his initials. He was a patron of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a Chicago Bears fan, and an auto enthusiast who owned a collection of classic cars.
Cosenza is survived by his wife, Judy; son Mark; daughter Cathy; five grandchildren; and sister Anita. A visitation will take place on January 2 at Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home in Downers Grove, followed by a funeral service at St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church on January 3.
