Russell W. Cochran Jr.

Russell Wayne Cochran Jr.

"It is what it is."

Russell Wayne Cochran Jr., 54, of New Brighton, passed away on January 10, 2013 at the residence of his very dear friends and family, Mary-Alice and Steve Malack, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born August 31, 1958, in Rochester, the son of  Catherine (Strickler) Cochran, of Center and the late Russell Wayne Cochran Sr., he was a 1976 graduate of Center High School and a graduate of Penn State.  He held degrees in electrical and robotic engineering and was a member of the Carpenters and Boilermaker Union.  He had been an assistant manager of Sweet Williams and a bartender at the Sterling Fox, Robert's Roadside Inn, and Monaca Turners.  He also owned a construction company for many years before employment with Wagner's Home Center in New Brighton.
Russell lived life to its fullest, believing that life is not worth waiting for the storm to pass, rather it's learning to dance in the rain. He was loved by many and easily made friends, most for life.

Surviving are his mother, Catherine F. Cochran of Center; two brothers and two sisters, Grant Cochran, Center; Brad Cochran, USMC, Anaheim, California;  Louise Causer, Center and Vanessa Rhakovich.  He also leaves behind two cherished cousins, Dr. Melvin "Buddy" Cochran and Carol Kershbaumer.
Russell was also the proud father of Russell Wayne (Amanda) Cochran III, Cambridge, Ohio; Dr. Jaime Nemeth (Nathan Shively), Lewiston, Maine; Dr. Jared (Alexa) Bovalino, Hopewell; Zachary Cochran, Center; Bret Nemeth and Ryan Nemeth, New Brighton; grandchildren, Jesse, Ryan, James, Audrey, Malachi, and many treasured nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind beloved friends, Chucky Taylor and Kim Hooley.

Friends will be received  Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 p.m. until time of funeral service at 7:30 p.m. in the J&J SPRATT FUNERAL HOME, 1612 Third Ave., New Brighton, www.jjsprattfh.com. The Rev. Paul Graycar,  chaplain of Catholic Hospice, officiating

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Marie Cochran, Sam and Diane Wagner, nurses, Joline and Patty, Kathy at Wound Care Medical Center, UPMC Cancer Center in Beaver, and Catholic Hospice.

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