William C. Cochran, 87, surgeon

William C. Cochran, 87, of Ambler, a retired general surgeon, died Saturday, June 27, of complications from cancer at home.

He was the husband of Rose Specca Cochran. The two lived in Ambler, and before that, Jenkintown.

Born in Abington, he was the son of Harry A. Cochran and Molly A. Anderson. He graduated from Abington High School, Ursinus College, and Temple University Medical School.

Dr. Cochran was a respected member of the staff at Abington Memorial Hospital, where he specialized in general surgery. He began work there as a resident in 1951 and retired in 1986.

In private life, he was a lifetime member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Glenside and a participant in community activities.

Dr. Cochran was a member of the Jenkintown Rotary Club and an active member of the Gwynedd Estates community. He and his wife had moved to the senior facility in Ambler eight years ago.

Dr. Cochran was a quiet man with a great sense of humor, said his daughter, Sally Marshall. He was an "outstanding" father, she said.

"He was a true gentleman whose consideration, kind words, and actions touched many people. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and those whose lives he touched," his family said in a tribute.

In addition to his daughter, and his wife of 56 years, Dr. Cochran is survived by a son, Roland; and four grandchildren. Two brothers died earlier.

Services and interment were private.

Donations may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 654 N. Easton Rd., Glenside, Pa. 19038; or to Abington Health Foundation, Office of Philanthropy, 1200 Old York Rd., Abington, Pa. 19001.

610-313-8102