Thomas G. Cochran

1939 - 2025

Thomas Grant Cochran, 86, of Vandergrift, passed away Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at his residence. Born Oct. 25, 1939, in Pittsburgh, he is the son of the late Thomas Bright and Ella Orr Crossan Cochran. Tom was employed as a mechanic at Detar's Auto in Vandergrift and later as a machinist for U.S. Steel at the Vandergrift plant and the Edgar Thompson Works facility. Tom was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He joined the George G. McMurtry Volunteer Fire Department in 1962, holding numerous leadership positions, including chief. He also belonged to the F&AM Lodge 617 in Vandergrift and the Apollo Elks Lodge 386. Tom enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren during annual trips to the beach and had taken his whole family to Disney World in 2008. He was a member of Vandergrift Presbyterian Church and a 1957 graduate of Vandergrift High School. In his youth he was a Boy Scout with troop 545, he played trumpet for the Thunderer's Drum and Bugle Corps and other local bands, and he also played taps for the VFW. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Carol E. Akins Cochran of Vandergrift; his son, Thomas G. Cochran II of Philipsburg; and two daughters, Heather (Bill) Riddell of Henrico, VA, and Laura Bradbury of Powhatan, VA. Seven grandchildren, William T. Riddell of Richmond, VA, Elaina (Ricky) Pepper of Prince George, VA, Elizabeth Cochran of Osceola Mills, Ella (Ty) Foster of Ramey, Sam, Hayden, and Coleman Bradbury of Powhatan, VA; a great-grandson, Dallas Grant Reams of Osceola Mills; and his brother, James L. (Patricia) Cochran of Vandergrift. Tom was very close to his wife's family and is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Patricia (Bob) Musick, Donna (Ed) Casella, and Diane (Mike) Fillippini; two brothers-in-law, David Akins and Randy (Kim) Akins; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Family and friends will be received from 3 till 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in DUNMIRE-KERR & ROWE FUNERAL HOME INC., 244 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift. Funeral services will be held at the same location at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery, Apollo. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dunmirekerr.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ronald McDonald House in Tom's name.