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BORN

1953

DIED

2016

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Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery

401 North Hayden Road

Scottsdale, Arizona

Bruce Cocreham Obituary

Cocreham, Bruce
Retired Phoenix Fire Captain Bruce Cocreham answered the final bell October 13, 2016. Born in Phoenix in 1953, Bruce was the son of George and Maxine Cocreham, and the grandson of Emmett and Lupe Cocreham and Ray and Grace Allen. Bruce was fourth generation Arizona, with his family's roots reaching back into old Arizona history south of the Gila before it became part of the United States. He was married to his beloved wife Lily for more than 40 years, and they were blessed with two children, Emmett and George. Bruce went to St. Mary's High School and Central High School, served a hitch in the Army, and then joined the Phoenix Fire Department in 1975, and made a career of it. He served many years at old station 1 and station 16, as well as other deployments, and he loved the Department's brotherhood. Three words describe Bruce best: guts, loyalty, and devotion. He was a good firefighter, and was a man well-respected for great courage against all risks. He was a devoted family man, loved sports, and coached his sons' teams to state championships in Pop Warner football and in Little League baseball. Following in his father's footsteps, Bruce became a superb firehouse cook, especially with Mexican food. His father passed onto Bruce old family recipes developed by his grandmother Lupe and great-grandmother Valvina. Besides his wife and sons, Bruce leaves his sisters Kathy and Karen, and brothers Bryan, Brett and Brad, and their spouses, and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends, who will miss him dearly. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22, at the Serenity Chapel located at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, 719 N. 27th Avenue in Phoenix. Interment at the Firefighter Bell tower will be immediately following the services.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Oct. 20, 2016.
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Lily, I just found out about Bruce's passing and am truly saddened to hear of your tremendous loss. Blessings to you as you carry on, sincerest long-distance hugs from an old friend.

Ned Coleman

November 27, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. (John 17:3)

Carla

October 24, 2016

Bruce will be missed, he touched many lives including mine. Our prayers are are for comfort for the family, especially Lily, Emmett and George.

Matt 5:4. Blessed is he who morns for he shall be comforted.

Mike Tabeek

October 22, 2016

Bruce was a good man and a Firefighter. Me and many others will miss his jokes and stories. Our hearts go out to all of our family. We will all miss you.

Bielecki

October 21, 2016

Bruce you were so loved and you will be missed dearly. Love you always your cousin Susie

Susie Burke

October 20, 2016

To the Cocreham Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

October 20, 2016

Bruce was a firefighter with Engine 2 PFD when I was the Captain and he was an intelligent, aggressive and trustworthy. I could always rely on Bruce to have "our backs" in an emergency situation. Bruce say hi to your Dad and you both are united again in God's home. Rest in Peace my friend:)

Dennis Starkins

October 20, 2016

Please know that God cares. James 1:13 andIsiah 25:8.

October 20, 2016

So sad, too-young to be leaving his family.

My heart goes out to all of you, it's never easy when a member of your family leaves especially when they are young.

It may take some time but the good memories there they're buried under the sad ones and celebrating his life will become easier.

Growing up you were all my family and I wish you well and a closeness during these trying times .

with my sincerest sympathy and love Gwen Tabeek Scaggiari

October 20, 2016

Dear Bruce, Lilly and family , I am so sorry for your loss. Having seen him this year was great. he looked good.
The picture looks like the boys.....
God Blessed our families.
I am sorry I can't come down , I am working all week end.
Theresa Woudenberg.

Theresa Woudenberg

October 20, 2016

Bruce and Lily shared a love that will always endure. I am so sad that Lily has lost the love of her life...but I am glad she had a love as special to cling to..

Margaret Bergstein

October 20, 2016

Sorry for your loss and many condolences to your family and friends. Isaiah 61:1,2

October 20, 2016

I am so very sorry for your loss,yet I am so happy that you had such a wonderful man to spend so many wonderful years with.Now,he can watch over and take care of you always.I. love you Lily

George Polesky

October 20, 2016

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Memorial Events
for Bruce Cocreham

Oct

22

Service

10:00 a.m.

Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, Serenity Chapel

719 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ

Oct

22

Interment

Firefighter Bell tower

AZ

Funeral services provided by:

Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery

401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

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