Honoring Nicholas:

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of our beloved cousin Nicholas Michael Cochiaro. He was a committed father to three beautiful children, faithful and providing husband, guiding older brother, and a beloved son to Cathy and Jim. As we try to come to terms with Nick’s passing, we have been asked how and what people can do to help.

First and foremost, please remember Nick as a person who loved his children, his many dogs, being in nature, and love for fishing and hunting. He was an EMT/fire, an Assistant Supervisor of Parks and Recreation where he plowed the streets of Schiller Park, and he was a Phlebotomist. He did anything and everything to provide for his children. He worked HARD for his family. Hold on to and share your memories of him. Please send any personal thoughts, stories, or words of encouragement to his mother Cathy Russ at nicholascochiaromemorial at Gmail.com (Go fund me doesn’t allow the posting of emails please type it into your email) We will create a memory book for his children to look at when they miss him or need a reminder of his love or how loved he is.

Remember: Empathy goes a long way. Everyone’s journey is different. Life gets hard, it gets messy, and you might be hit with challenges. Hard moments and difficult times will make you stronger and one day enjoy the happiness more. Take a moment to tell the people you love you love them, be forgiving, never kick someone who is down, as human beings it is our duty to lift those up in need. Pay it forward. Smile at a stranger. Actions have consequences. You’re loved by more people than you will ever know.

Nick’s cousins are asking family, friends, and community for financial support in honoring Nicholas’s memory. Any contribution, no matter how big or small will go directly into (3) Illinois 529 college accounts for his children ages 10, 12, and 19. The 19-year-old can use the funds to help with her current college needs. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in ensuring Nick is laid to rest with the dignity and respect he deserves and his children will hopefully have an easier future ahead of them.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity