C. Norman Cochran | obituary

C. Norman Cochran, 96, of New Wilmington died January 18, 2022 at Shenango on the Green in New Wilmington.
Born in Aliquippa on March 24, 1925, Norman was the son of Charles N. Cochran and Gladys (Cook) Cochran.
Norman was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Lou (Fair) Cochran on May 29, 2006. He was also predeceased by his parents; his brother, William Cook Cochran; and his sister, Jane (Wes) Morgan.
Norman is survived by his sons, Robert N. (Jane) Cochran of West Chester, Pennsylvania, James F. (Catherine) Cochran of Pulaski and David W. (Susan) Cochran of Villanova, Pennsylvania; granddaughter, Leslie Cochran; grandsons, Tom (Candice), Ryan, John (Erica), Sean (Caroline), James, Patrick, Joseph and Christopher; great-granddaughters, Callie and Shea; and great-grandsons, Tommy and Jin-Eun.
Norman graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1942. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Westminster College with a BS in chemistry in 1945, and continued his education by earning a master’s degree in physical chemistry from Ohio State University in 1947.
Norman and Mary Lou raised their family in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, where they resided from 1952 to 2002. In 2002, they moved to Shenango on the Green in New Wilmington.
Norman was employed at Alcoa Laboratories in Alcoa Center, Pennsylvania for 40 years. He was most proud of his work on over 20 patents, his authorship of over 50 technical publications, and his leadership in increasing the use of aluminum to make vehicles lighter and more fuel efficient. .
Norman was a member of the American Chemical Society since 1947, Sigma Xi Science Honorary since 1953, and the Mineral, Metal and Materials Society since 1969.
Norman served his community as a member of the Oakmont Lions Club for nearly 50 years and as Treasurer of the Oakmont Water Authority for 27 years.
Norman has shown his love and dedication to his family for over 10 years supporting his wife, Mary Lou, in her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was inspirational in her desire and ability to be her guardian until his passing. His devotion will forever be etched in the memory of his family and friends.
Due to COVID-19, there will be no call hours.
A private family service will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home in New Wilmington.
Interment will follow at Fair Oaks Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Norman’s memory to Alzheimer’s Research or Westminster College.