The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies Inc. announces the passing of co-founder, Director and Vice Chairman G. Joseph Cosenza on Dec. 25. Cosenza, who was also president of Inland Real Estate Acquisitions LLC, was 81.
A native Chicagoan, Cosenza received his BA and MS from Northeastern Illinois University and his MS from Northern Illinois University. His original career focus was education – he taught Cosenza taught at the LaGrange School District from 1967 to 1968 and served as assistant principal and teacher in the Wheeling School District in 1968 through 1972.
In 1968, Cosenza teamed with his Northeastern classmate Daniel L. Goodwin and fellow schoolteachers Robert D. Parks and Robert H. Baum to form. As head of acquisitions for Inland, Mr. Cosenza oversaw and consulted or negotiated the purchase of more than $55 billion of commercial real estate.
Cosenza was a licensed real estate broker since Inland’s founding and was active in local, state and national real estate associations. He also served as past chairman of the board of American National Bank of DuPage and also served on the board of directors of Continental Bank of Oakbrook Terrace, was a past chairman and a director of Inland Bank & Trust, and a board director of Inland Bancorp Inc. He was also a part owner of American National Bank of DuPage and Burbank State Bank.
In accordance with Inland’s succession plan, Inland’s acquisition operations are currently being jointly led by Matthew Tice and Mark Cosenza.
“Joe was an unwavering source of inspiration for us all,” said Tony Chereso, Inland CEO, president, and board member. “He worked tirelessly on behalf of Inland and our investors. We will forever be grateful for his leadership and countless contributions to Inland’s success. Joe is a commercial real estate icon and a legendary dealmaker who, along with the other Inland founders, transformed the alternative real estate marketplace.”
Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies is one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate and finance groups.
;
