Connie L. Cocco (nee Creson)

Connie L. Cocco, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the age of 85, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. Born on September 18, 1940, in Fulton, Tennessee, Connie was the daughter of the late Virginia Williams and Carl Creson.

Connie’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and love of music. From an early age she was known for her smile that could light up a room and a generous spirit that touched every person she met. She graduated from St. Bernard High School in 1958. Connie pursued a career as an administrative assistant and retired from the University of Cincinnati in 2007, where she made lasting contributions and built many friendships.

Her love of music and family were woven into the fabric of her life and she found great joy in singing and playing the clarinet, saxophone, and piano. She shared her talents generously, enriching both her life and the lives of those around her. Connie was also a devoted member of the Covenant Apostolic Church for many years, where her faith and service left a lasting impact.

In April 1964, Connie married Ron Dabney, and had a daughter that marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, and she cherished the family they built together. Later, in December 1978, she married Jim Cocco, further enriching her journey with love and companionship. Connie is survived by her loving daughter, Michelle Copenhaver, and her husband Alan, who stood by her side with unwavering support. She leaves behind two grandsons, Stephen and Caleb Smith, along with Caleb’s wife Allison, and her precious great-grandson, William Shepard Smith.

Throughout her life, Connie was a beacon of warmth and compassion, known for her kindness and generosity. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will forever remember her gentle spirit and the love she bestowed upon them.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Terry Williams, and her sisters, Barbara McNabb and Dana Frensley. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her surviving family: her daughter Michelle Copenhaver and son-in-law Alan, her grandsons Stephen Smith and Caleb Smith (Allison), and her precious great-grandson William Shepard Smith. Her brothers Gary Williams and Cary “Butch” Creson, along with her sisters Carla Arnold, Susan Markus, and Elizabeth Ohlinger, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever hold her memory close in their hearts.

A service to honor Connie’s remarkable life will be held on April 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Hodapp Funeral Home, located at 6041 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224 (visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Hospice of Cincinnati, an organization that provided comfort and support during Connie’s final days.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of Hillebrand Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care and dedication during Connie’s final years.

Connie’s life was a testament to love, family, music, and faith and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.