Thomas LaVerne Cochran Jr.

Thomas LaVerne Cochran, Jr., 60, of Wernersville, passed away March 13, 2017 surrounded by his family.

He was married for 41 years to his wife Margaret “Maggie” (Palmer) Cochran.

Born in Lancaster, Tom was the son of the late Thomas LaVerne and Joyce Lorraine (Mentzer) Cochran, Sr.

He was a 1975 graduate of Muhlenberg High School.

He was employed by ETI in Morgantown as a water treatment professional.

Tom, an avid Miami Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers fan also loved NASCAR and skiing. Known as “Tortuga Tom", he and his family are passionate about traveling to Akumal, Mexico. He had a special love for the Green and Loggerhead sea turtles indigenous to that area. Tom, the "Turtle Whisperer" often wrote about these annual trips on his popular Facebook page; Friends of Akumal Bay. He also enjoyed swimming with Whale sharks, heli-skiing in Canada and spending time with family, friends and his grandaughters.

Back at home, he could never get enough of Maggie’s Chocolate Chip cookies.

Tom wants to be remembered by these words: “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy Shit…what a ride!”

Surviving in addition to his wife are his son Steven R. Cochran husband of Tara (McNoldy) of Shillington; brother Daniel P. Cochran of Centre Township, and his beloved granddaughters Jessica and Rebecca.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at Kathryn's, 8380 Allentown Pike (Rt 222), Blandon, PA on Saturday March 18th at 11:30 a.m.

To honor Tom's wishes the family is requesting casual attire. Please feel free to wear your favorite sea turtle, Miami Dolphins', NASCAR, or Flyers' shirt. No Eagle's attire please.    

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sea Turtle Conservancy, https://conserveturtles.org/support-stc-make-a-tribute-or-memorial-donation or St Jude's Children's Hospital,  262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105

 For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. Laureldale is in charge of arrangements.