Richard Brettell Cochran Jr

Forever in our hearts, Richard Brettell Cochran Jr. of Manahawkin passed away suddenly on April 4, 2026. He was 72. Born in Trenton, Rich was a graduate of Florence High School. A dreamer at heart, he worked many years and long days as a steelworker at De Laval to turn those dreams into reality. He later became the owner of Rich’s Chicken Coop in Columbus, NJ, where he met the love of his life, Cheryl. Together, they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and simple joys. Rich and his family spent many cherished years on Long Beach Island. Summers were spent on the beach with his children and grandchildren, sitting on the porch watching the sunset, taking long walks along the shore, or casting a line into the surf. A lifelong lover of the water, he shared a deep passion for boating and fishing with his father, which in turn became part of his legacy. He spent as much time as he could going on fishing trips with his children and friends, or tending to his boat. In his later years, Rich and Cheryl created their own backyard oasis, where they spent their days relaxing by the pool or soaking in the hot tub and more often than not, a grandchild (or three) were right by their side. Amidst the constant energy of a full house, Rich kept a close eye on the stock market where you could usually hear a loud “Booyah!” echo from the living room. He loved unwinding with his favorite shows and movies, from James Bond to Titanic, and had a special place in his heart for the music and films of the 80s, especially Aerosmith. Rich was a natural storyteller and quite the talker, always ready to share a memory or spark a conversation. He cherished trips to Florida for the warmth, but more than any destination, it was simply being surrounded by family that meant the most to him. Rich will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years, Cheryl Cochran; his children: Dawn Cochran (Jason Scott), Michael Cochran, Tara Heade (William Heade), Brandon Johnson (Lisa Beltran), and Chrissy Roberts (Mark Roberts); his grandchildren: Kyle Abel (Gabrielle Abel), Chelsea Wagner, Scott Jerden Jr., Ariana Ford, Ace Cochran, Abel Cochran, and Sylvie Roberts; and his great-grandchildren: Maeve Costello, Beau Costello, Tyr Abel, and Greyson Jerden. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Roach, brother-in-law Robert Holmes, sister-in-law Dawn Bevan, brother-in-law Theodore Holmes, along with many extended family members and friends. Rich was predeceased by his parents, Richard Brettell Cochran Sr. and Viola Durle Cochran, his in-laws Robert and Irene Holmes, sister-in-law Brenda Holmes, brother-in-law John Roach, and brother-in-law Mike Bevan. Relatives and friends are invited to gather with the family on Monday, April 13th from 5–6 pm, with a prayer service to follow at 6 pm at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mount Holly, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rich’s memory to Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, NJ.

Richard Brettell Cochran Jr

July 17, 1953 - April 4, 2026