Thomas R. Cockrell, 66, of Wareham, died March 23, 2011 after a long and courageous battle against cancer. He was a devoted husband, loving father/grandfather, and loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by all of those who were blessed to have known him.

He was born Clifton Springs, NY on March 30, 1944. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Chilton 1962-1966. He retired from Mass Maritime Academy in 2004.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Hunter-Cockrell, 4 children, Sheri Woulard of Greece, NY, Christine (John) Hagar of Fairport, NY, Stephanie Kidman of Geneva, NY and Richard Grimes of Wareham; 4 step-children Ellen (David) Muir of West Wareham, Heather Fluegel of Mashpee, Robert (Christina) Coggeshall of New Bedford, and Kenneth Coggeshall of Englewood, FL; a sister, Carol (Wayne) McCoy of Geneva, NY; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandsons. He was predeceased by his parents, Clyde and Lavina Cockrell and Don Elliott, his daughter Pamela J. Cockrell, and his siblings, Maryanne Plant and Robert Cockrell.

His funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2011 in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. Visiting hours were held Sunday.

Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.