Theodore Barns Cochran

Theodore Barns Cochran, 86, died on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, 2017, following a brief illness. He was born in 1930, in Zanesville, Ohio. The youngest of two sons of Rolla W. Cochran and Harriet Elizabeth Cochran. He grew up in the Dresden/Trinway area of Musingum Country, where at one time he knew nearly every family in Trinway, by delivering both daily newspapers.

After graduation from Jefferson High School, Ted attended the Greenbriar Military Academy in White Sulfer Springs, West Virginia, for a year, and then graduated from Denison University in 1953, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He married Marlene A. Thomas, his high school sweetheart, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Army Paratroopers, serving for 2 years at Fort Campbell Kentucky.

Ted's first job was in advertising for several years, until he was persuaded to enter the Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation's Management Internship Program. He started at the company's plant in Newark, Ohio, progressing to company headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, and finally, to a new site in Delmar, New York. He was in charge of purchasing all of the material to build the plant, and remained a member of the local management team until he retired in 1993. He worked there for 27 years.

After retirement, Ted was a free spirit, he lived life his way, without pretense. At 86, he lead a completely independent life with the exception of his companion, Maxine, still handing out Halloween candy seven months ago, with his son, Tim. His days were full and usually began with a Greek breakfast at his favorite diner, Inga's. Upon entering, he would speak the familiar phrases that John and Demetra taught him over the years, which always made him smile. It was quite common for "Teddy" to bring friends from the Schenectady Mission, where he volunteered daily or to meet his three children, always good for picking up the check.

Concerned with staying active and maintaining his mobility, he would walk daily at Wal-Mart. Afterward, heading home to regroup. Usually, that meant catching a few "Z's" on the couch with his favorite pooch. Ted was computer savvy and had many long distance friends he spoke to often as well as his 90 year old brother, Rod, good friend, Jerry O, and many grandchildren he Facebooked with. He also loved jazz, dancing and old movies and boy did he love a good laugh. Not admitting to many favorite teams, except those of his grandchildren, he could find a game to watch on the television nearly everyday, preferably from Ohio.

Known for his easy smile and friendly spirit, Ted often lent a hand to others needing a break. A friend, next-door neighbor, Jerry Ostrander, introduced him to the Schenectady City Mission. He quickly volunteered to help serve meals daily. Ted was thankful to his friend, Charlie, who ensured his entry into the mission everyday and to Dan, who saw him out every night. He felt honored to belong to such a distinguished group of community members who restored his belief in faith and openly welcomed him, God Bless.

Theodore is survived by his children, Kirsti (Cam) Lloyd (Bill); Timothy (Janice); Celeste Mahoney (Franklin). He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren, Lauryn (Christine Miller), Macky, and Rolla Lloyd; John-Russell, Nikki, and Michael Cochran; Aleksandr Morizio; and Amelia and August Mahoney.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Theodore's caregivers at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehab Center. His nurse were beyond compassionate, caring and involved. A big hug to Flo, LaDora, Harriet, Dori, Jamey and Dr. Henriques. We came to know and rely on many of the staff. We will miss our time spent with everyone. You became an important part of our daily life.

In special appreciation and thanks to, Chris, Lisa, Chanel, Mawra, Karyn, Tiffany, Jessica, Danielle, Cindy, Rose, Shalista, BIG MOMMA, Oscar, Rebecca and Blair.

A Memorial services will be on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 2:30 pm at the Schenectady Mission Career Training Center, 313 Clinton St. in the Chapel.