Richard B. Cochran Jr.

Richard (Dick) B. Cochran Jr., age 76, of Bel Air, MD passed away on November 18, 2018 at his home after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Born in Chicago, IL, he was the son of Richard Bruce Sr. and Margaret Ann (Fairman) Cochran. Dick grew up in Hinsdale, IL. He received a bachelor’s degree in Economics and History from the University of Wisconsin in 1964. He started a 39 year career with Bethlehem Steel Corporation ending with his retirement in 2003. Early in his career, he moved from New York Sales to Baltimore Sales with a growing focus on Railroad Products sales. Then in 1982, he moved to Bethlehem, PA Headquarters as the Assistant Manager of Railroad Products. He moved on to become the Assistant Manager of Plate Products in 1984 and that assignment continued until 1993 when a major Corporate reorganization sent Dick to Sparrows Point, MD as the Manager of Plate Product Marketing. He continued in that assignment (at both Sparrows Point & Coatesville, PA) until his retirement from Bethlehem Steel in 2003. In addition he served on a number of key Steel Industry Boards like the Steel Service center institute and the American Institute of Steel.

After his retirement from Bethlehem Steel, Dick became the Executive Director of the United States Maglev Corporation (from 2003 to 2005). Dick completed his work career in the steel industry in 2008 as a sales consultant for Baltimore Steel Products focusing on the sale of Plate Products.

Dick’s favorite place was Plum Lake in Wisconsin where he enjoyed many summers throughout the years with family and friends. He was a longtime member of the board of the Plum Lake Association

Dick was also a kidney transplant recipient from his close friend Jeff Springer, which extended his life for over 8 years.

Dick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betsy; son, Tommy Cochran of Pittsburgh, PA and his wife, Courtney; daughter, Christy Cochran Sheehan of North Palm Beach, FL and her husband, Dan; two granddaughters, Olivia Cochran of Pittsburgh, PA and Kate Sheehan of North Palm Beach, FL; two grandsons, Danny and Jack Sheehan of North Palm Beach, FL; two brothers, Bill (Holly) Cochran of Seattle, WA and Mike (Helen) Cochran of Punta Gorda, FL; and sister, Ann (Jim) Willer of Des Moines, IA.

Services to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
Johns Hopkins Kidney Transplant Program
600 N. Wolfe St.
Osler #625
Baltimore, MD 21287
In Memory of Richard Cochran Jr.