Harry L. Cochrane Sr.

Harry L Cochrane, 78, "Laddie", of Apex, NC died at his home on Wednesday June 10th, 2015 surrounded by family and following a brief illness. He was born Jan. 24th, 1937 in the Philipsburg, PA to Harry N and Mary (Shannon) Cochrane. He was the beloved husband of Aurelia (Ford) Cochrane who survives. He is predeceased by his parents, and a sister, Mary Virginia Caldwell formerly of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

He is survived by a sister E.M. “Penny” Ford and a brother-in-law M. Rich Ford of Fort Myers Fl., and six children: Timothy and Jennifer (Zara) of Davidson NC, Bethann and her husband David Gunn of Hyde Park NY, Carol and her husband Terry Rice of Apex, NC, Michael and Julie (Housewright), Melbourne, FL, Samuel of Apex NC, and Harry "Hank" L Jr. of Brooklyn NY.

He is also survived by ten grandchildren; Debbie, Casey, Rachel, David (Gabby), Sarah, Melissa, Lauren, Robin, Samuel, and Olivia, and four great grandchildren, Gavyn L. Gunn, Marie, Emily and Julia Anne.

The Cochrane family lived in Clearfield Pa until moving to St. Mary’s PA in 1947. He graduated from St. Mary’s Public High School in 1954. He matriculated at Gannon University in Erie, PA. In his junior year, he left college to join the Army, and was assigned to the Army Language School of Presidio Monterey CA. From there, he was sent to the National Security Agency in Fort Mead, MD. Following active duty, he returned to college and spent a semester at Penn State. In 1961 he married the love of his life, Aurelia, and returned to Gannon University where he graduated in 1962.

He began his career as an accountant at the University of Pittsburgh. Shortly afterward, he took a job as an auditor/controller with Montgomery Ward which relocated him to Poughkeepsie, NY. In 1982, he became General Manager of a struggling office supply and business technology company. He divested the office supplies and typewriter portions of the business to focus on new developments in business technology. In a few short years, he transformed the company into a successful and profitable business that was eventually sold to a much larger dealer in 1997.

He was a 30 year member of the Red Oaks Mill Vol. Fire Dept. where he presided as the treasurer and financial secretary.

He was a man with eclectic hobbies. But mostly he loved to read, especially history, philosophy and business, as well as the classics and biographies about world leaders of the past.

In retirement he became a devoted fan of Britney Trace’s local soccer team (of Apex, NC). On any given Sunday he could be found cheering on the Britney United Team with a cold brew in hand.

After retiring, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, golfing and spending time with family. Most notably, he looked forward to an annual family reunion his hometown of St. Mary’s PA (affectionately known as Fri-De-Fo).

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday June 16 at St. Andrew’s Church in Apex, NC, with family to receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the New Church Fund for Mary Magdalene Church - 625 Magdala Place - Apex, NC 27502.