Maj. Gen. Harry L. Cochran, Jr. (Ret.)

Maj. Gen., Ret. Harry L. Cochran, Jr., 88, of Springfield, died March 15, 2013 in his residence. He was born July 2, 1924 in Vandergrift, PA to Harry L. and Isabelle (Connor) Cochran, Sr. General Cochran was a Veteran of WWII, having served in the Army Air Corps during which time he flew one tour of duty as a copilot on a B-25 Mitchell bomber and another tour in a P-51 Mustang fighter from bases in Northern Africa, Corsica, and Italy. After his tours of duty, he came home and married the love of his life, Inez "Corky" (Cortese). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Science degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. Professional military education included graduation from the United States Air Force Air War College in residence and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces by correspondence. Throughout his career, he flew over 6,000 hours in various fighter aircraft and served as a Wing Commander and Chief of Staff, Ohio Air National Guard. He retired from the United States Air Force (ANG) after 41 years of service, and was the last active WWII fighter pilot still flying fighters in the world, according to the US State Department. Upon retirement, he continued his flying endeavors by teaching prospective Air Force pilots at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Aero Club until the club's closure in 2012. He was passionate about his family, flying, running, and the great outdoors. He was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Inez C. (Cortese), four children and spouses, Christopher J. (Mary Ann) Cochran, Springfield, Andrew R. (Mary Lou) Cochran, Annadale, VA, Robert W. (Barbara) Cochran, Cincinnati, OH, and Geoffrey M. (Leigh-Ann) Cochran, Bloomington, IN, and three grandchildren, Casey (Megan), Sarah, and Julie. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Carolyn. Friends may call in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Teresa Catholic Church. Burial will be in Ferncliff Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Teresa Catholic Church.