The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. announced Thursday the passing of Cofounder G. Joseph Cosenza. Cosenza passed away Dec. 25, 2024, at the age of 81.
“Joe was a legendary deal maker in the commercial real estate industry, a trusted and valued partner, and a dear friend,” said Robert H. Baum, Inland Chairman, co-founder and General Counsel. “We will miss his enduring loyalty, high energy and passion, particularly when he was on the acquisition front fighting the good fight to acquire real estate on terms most favorable to Inland and our investors. And in the office, Joe displayed love, kindliness and humor that Inlanders will always remember. On behalf of the Inland Board and over 1,400 employees across the country, our thoughts and prayers are with the Cosenza family, and we extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to them during this difficult time.”
“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.”
In accordance with Inland’s succession plan, Inland’s acquisition operations are currently being jointly led by Matthew Tice and Mark Cosenza.
A native Chicagoan, Cosenza received his BA from Northeastern Illinois University and his MS from Northern Illinois University. From 1967 to 1968, Cosenza taught at the LaGrange School District, and from 1968 to 1972, he served as Assistant Principal and teacher in the Wheeling School District. While at Northeastern, he met and became life-long friends with the late Daniel L. Goodwin, who, along with Joe and fellow school-teachers Robert D. Parks and Baum, formed Inland in 1968. Together, they built one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate and finance groups. As head of acquisitions for Inland, Cosenza oversaw and consulted or negotiated the purchase of more than $55 billion of commercial real estate.
In June of 2024, Connect CRE honored Cosenza with the Lifetime Achievement Award. “Joe was a legend in commercial real estate and left an indelible impact on our industry. He was a true leader and it was an honor to have gotten to know him and to have been a student of his leadership and kindness,” said Daniel Ceniceros, CEO of Connect Media. See coverage and video of the award presentation here.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main S., Downers Grove, IL. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at St. Mary’s of Gostyn Catholic Church, 445 Prairie Ave., Downers Grove, IL. Time of service is still pending.
