John Cochin Jr.
August 16, 1936 ~ December 18, 2023
Resided in:
Sanford, Maine
John Cochin Jr., 87, of Sanford, passed away on December 18, 2023, at his residence. Born on August 16, 1936, to John Cochin Sr. and Beatrice (Grenier) Cochin in Sanford, he was a lifelong resident and a cherished asset to the community.
At the age of 10, John's passion for baseball was ignited by his neighbor, policeman Eugene Gerry, who taught him the game. This marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with baseball, leading to his induction into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
John Cochin made significant contributions to Sanford, dedicating 48 years to teaching, coaching, and community service. He was a 1955 graduate of Sanford High School, and after attending Northeastern University he graduated from Nason College and began a distinguished teaching career. Beginning as a Junior High science teacher, he later became a long-time chemistry teacher at Sanford High School. John's impact extended beyond the classroom, as he took on the role of head baseball coach in 1972, leading the team to a state title in 1978. He earned his master's degree and retired from his teaching career in 2008. This past summer, he had a baseball field and chemistry laboratory dedicated to him at Sanford High School.
A dedicated public servant, John served as the commissioner of the Sanford Water District. He was also the first and only sports editor of the Sanford News, showcasing his diverse interests beyond the classroom and baseball field. He was also interested in culture. He enjoyed musical theater and poetry and shared these interests with his family. A loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be deeply missed for his inspirational coaching, involvement in family events, and memorable vacations. John was an avid hiker and accomplished conquering all 48 peaks in New Hampshire and found solace in being outdoors.
He is predeceased by his parents, and a nephew Ted Cochin.
Survivors include three daughters, Brenda McCarthy and her husband Stephen of Raleigh, NC, Lisa Gerry and her husband Robert of North Berwick, Kristi Peters of Sanford, seven grandchildren, Meghan Gable of Acton, Julie McCarthy of Quincy, MA, Sean McCarthy of Portsmouth, NH, Lily, Ivy, Cal, and Daisy Peters of Sanford, two great-grandchildren, a brother James Cochin and his wife Dee of Jamaica Plain, MA, and sister Joyce Cochin-Nelson Scally of Sanford and also his nieces.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale.
The family would like to thank John’s Granddaughter Meghan Gable of Acton, who was John’s loving caregiver over the past few years as his health declined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to The Red and White Foundation, Sanford High Boosters.
Rest in peace, John. You will be forever missed and always remembered.
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An incredible man, father, grandfather and educator. Thank you for all you have done for our community and thank you for not getting to mad at me in high school when I left the gas on in your chemistry class.
Miss you Dad ❤️
My condolences to the family! He was an amazing teacher and a legend! He was amazing person inside and out! He will be missed!
Jerry and I are so very sorry to hear of Johns passing.. Our deepest condolences to the whole family..
Rip John till we meet again in heaven .
I miss you John,my big brother..and love you forever and ever!!💜
I taught with John for 42 years at Sanford High School. It was a pleasure. He always put the students interests first. He saw potential for the future. My children both had John as a teacher and his classroom was the subject at many dinners. They learned much from him. I always was amazed that he was so dedicated to Sanford, Mine. He will be missed.
John was a senior at SHS when I was a freshman, and a few years later we became co-workers when I joined the faculty at SHS. As a music teacher I always appreciated John’s love and support of the theater and musicals. My son, Rick, was fortunate to have played baseball under John’s coaching. John leaves a great legacy and will be missed by many. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family 🙏🏻😇
Great teacher and coach. Very good sports writer because he knew his audience. Good friend sharing stories over coffee, breakfast at Sunnyside. Made a very popular Grand Marshall at 4th of July parade. You will be missed.
For the last several years of John’s career, he was the longest tenured teacher in the State of Maine.
Classmate. I know John’s love of Baseball. He always told me how lucky I was to live so close to Camden yards.
I knew John through his granddaughter, Meg Gable. I was John’s caregiver for a while and I have to say, he was the best part of my day. He and his kitty, Cassandra, will always have a special place in my heart.
I am so sorry to John’s family and friends for their loss. John was a wonderful man and he will be missed.
a wonderful, smart, funny, very talented person.it was so much fun to be around him. loved him
My dear friend John Cochin was a very good friend with Ted Williams, the famous Red Sox Baseball player and greatest hitter of all times . Ted visited John at his home.
we met thru our wives friendships back in 1966.
John was my dearest friend of over 56 years. we did everything together. I was with him the day he won the state baseball championship. we went to red sox games together. He and our wives shared many happy memories.i shall miss him every day.. i loved him dearly