Theodore Norman Cocco, 82, of Waldoboro, passed away at his home on Feb. 4. He was born in Genesee, Penn. on Sept. 11, 1931 to Giovanni Cocco and Bertha Irene Baxter.
Theodore grew up in Allegheny, N.Y. When he was 17, he left home and joined the Army. He served four years during the Korean War.
In 1951, he married Ida Louise Lee, and they started their family together. They were married for 20 years. Throughout the years, they lived in California, Alabama, and New York. Theodore eventually settled in Maine and met his companion, Margaret.
Theodore was a “jack of all trades, but master of none”. He worked in many different fields, including wood cutting in various wood lots and in his later years, he was a blueberry and wreath vendor.
During his last 20 years, he and Margaret enjoyed visiting flea markets. He loved getting a good deal on the pieces he found on his adventures. He was frugal and knew the value of hard work and a dollar.
Theodore had a great sense of humor. He had an opinion about everything and was always prepared. He loved to read and he was very crafty. His favorite tool in his toolbox was a roll of duct tape; he had one on hand all the time for anything that may need a quick fix.
Theodore was a stoic, devoted, honest, caring, loving man and would do anything for anyone. He loved his family very much and kept in touch with his many friends over the years.
Theodore was often on the road, taking trips to Florida, New York and all over Maine visiting his family and friends. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association.
Theodore was predeceased by his daughter, Sara Irene Chind; brothers, John Cook, and Harold Levis; sister, Joyce Farley; and both of his parents.
He is survived by his companion of 38 years, Margaret Boyle of Waldoboro; children, Linda Olejniczak of Greenwood, N.Y., Patricia Dibert of Waldoboro, Donna Sherwood and husband Timothy of Friendship, N.Y., Mark Snyder of Fischer, Tex., Theodore Cocco Jr., of Damariscotta, Theodora Norma Cocco Sauvie and companion John Bryant of Damariscotta, and Edward Snyder and wife Angela of Clayton, Wis.; stepson, Michael Cavallero and wife Beth of Washington; stepdaughter, Leona Cocco and companion Tony Thurman of Angelica, N.Y.; sons-in-law, Richard Chind of Bolivar, N.Y., and James Sauvie of Edgecomb; 22 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Morris Whitney and wife Carlene of New Mexico; sister, Arlene Whitney and lifelong companion Diane Longley; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
A gathering of family and friends will take place from 5-7 p.m., Tues., Feb. 11 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m., Wed., Feb. 12 at Hall Funeral Home in Waldoboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Theodore’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 51 US Rt. 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.
You are invited to share your condolences with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro, is caring for the family.
