Dennis Thon Cochill

Dennis Thon Cochill, 76, from Richardson, Texas passed away on May 6th, 2023.  Dennis was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 7th, 1946. Dennis graduated from Redford High School and received a BS in Business and Finance from Adrian College in Michigan.

He married the love of his life, Silvana Josephine Cochill on February 15, 1969. Dennis and Silvana aka “Coach and Ollie” had known each other since they were 13 years old. He always used to say, “Let’s go Ollie,” when it was time to leave. They were blessed to have been married for 53 years out of the 63 wonderful years they spent together.

Dennis began his professional career in the banking sector, working at several institutions in Michigan and Texas. In the 90’s he was introduced to the print industry by his brother, Thomas R. Cochill which led to a CFO position in Chicago. In 2010 he returned to Texas and worked for his dear friend, Michael Cramer before finally retiring. Dennis had an admirable work ethic.

Dennis had a passion for reading, often consuming more than a book a week on topics such as history, the Civil War, and the British Navy. He also enjoyed works of fiction, perhaps his favorite being the Hornblower Saga. Dennis also enjoyed fishing, though we lovingly teased him for not being very successful at it. He used to say, "let's go drown some worms.” 

Dennis was also an avid Do-It-Yourselfer. If there was a project to be done around the house or our neighbors, Dennis would take on the challenge. He'd rather spend countless hours, sometimes making his own tools (and thus the project 10 times harder) than to have someone else do it. He'd often lure in Silvana or the kids, Tom and Kim, to hold something, go grab a tool, or point a flashlight. If you didn't do it right, he'd often shout "Damnit!" His DIY teachings and traits are embraced by his children and they can often be found doing their own projects with things that "Dad" taught them.

If you knew him well, you know that "grouchy Dennis” had a dry sense of humor and charming wit. Even in his final days, he was cracking jokes with doctors and nurses. Aside from his grouchiness, Dennis was tender and chivalrous. He walked closely by Silvana’s side and never let her open a door. He made his loved ones feel safe and protected.

Although Dennis didn’t have a large circle of friends, the ones he did have were the best kind - lifelong friends. Above all, his heart belonged to his family. Dennis will be deeply missed by his wife, Silvana Cochill, children, Thomas and Jamie Cochill, Kimberly and Chris Ballard, grandchildren, Tayler Pollard and Katelynn Bryant, brother, Thomas and Bonnie Cochill, and sister in laws Rosella Schrandt and Kathy Cochill

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Richardson Cochill, mother, Virginia Cochill and brother, Lee Cochill

Memorial Service will be held June 23, 2023 at 2:00pm at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church. The address is 1201 Alma Drive in Plano, TX 75075.