06/04/2026
Milen Cokrlic, Jr.— a follower of Jesus Christ, left this world on June 3rd, 2026 surrounded by love from his family and accompanied by answered prayers for mercy from loved ones near & far. He passed into eternity leaving behind a legacy of fortitude that will continue to inspire those who knew him. Milen had passionate gratitude for Constitutional liberty and enjoyed studying the Bible in the privacy of his home. His favorite verse was “The Word of God is alive & powerful— sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, of the joints and marrow, and is a critic of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” –HEBREWS 4:12. Born January 1st, 1948, in Sewickley, Milen’s life journey was a testament to unwavering commitment to the good of his country as well as loyalty to his family & friends. His passion project was printing, purchasing, and personally installing his thought-provoking banners with his singular design that illustrated a row of coffins draped with American flags headlined by this admonition: WHY WE STAND. Milen’s early years in Conway, Pennsylvania strengthened him in a small-town community, which he deeply appreciated as he fondly looked back on a childhood spent creating adventures in the river, creeks, basketball courts, bowling alleys, pool halls, and woods with his friends. He was the only son of Mr. & Mrs. Milen (Betty Ferrence) Cokrlic, Sr. As a man, he was devoted to his parents and to all of his in-laws as they aged. He was preceded in physical death by his younger sister Ylona; his older sister Elaine (Shawl) resides in Texas. In 1970, Milen married the love of his life, Osana “Suna” Suszynsky after his active duty as a Marine in the horrors of the Vietnam War; he was a devoted care-taker to his wife until Suna passed into eternity in early 2025. They raised their cherished children, Michelle (married to Michael Denk) and Milen III, in New Sewickley Township. Beyond supporting the college education of his two children, “Daddy” evidenced all the fruit of The Holy Spirit to them over the course of their adult lifetime which is remarkable, precious, and admirable to behold in any mere mortal: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Meekness, Temperance. His children bear witness that their earthly father bore these gifts and will keep them as their imperishable memorial along with shared Faith in Christ which is their Rock and bond in unity. Milen’s constant admiration and effective prayers for his only grandchild Andrew Thieme Denk kept him optimistic about the future; “Papa” wholeheartedly supported & followed ATD’s performing arts, sporting events, piano practice, sports commentating, and disciplined pursuits at Baylor University where his grandson follows Christ and pursues career goals toward Sports Broadcasting, Pre-Chiropractic, and Spanish. Milen cared deeply for his lifelong friends such as Rose (Ruddick) & John Pavlovic, Ray Katekovich, Kathy & John Feher, Johnny Feher, Deb DeDominicis, John Johnson, the extended Padezanin family, the members of North Boroughs Sportsmen’s Association, his “Silver Splash” work-out pals at YMCA Aquatic Fitness, and his longtime neighbors such as Mark Sainer, Keith Ruckert, Penczak family, Tyler Family, and neighbor Bob Cantella. After Milen’s beloved wife passed, he enjoyed a new caring relationship with Deb Katekovich. All of his sisters-in-law (Mary & Sylvia) and brothers-in-law (Peter, Paul, Mark, Don, and Karol) loved Milen very deeply. “Great Uncle Milen” enjoyed hearing from his adult nephews & nieces, who adored him and made time to visit & remain in touch.
Milen was a 1966 graduate of Freedom High School and enjoyed winning seasons under the exceptional leadership of his respected basketball coach Eugene Cercone. Milen retired from Conrail after decades as a conductor. He is known by many to be generous and a “straight-shooter” literally & figuratively (excelling at Sporting Clays: 25/25), yet those who knew Milen best can attest that the most important thing to him was that we humble ourselves to accept the finished work Jesus Christ accomplished at the cross on our behalf which is the essence of the Gospel; in conversations with his loved ones, he exhorted unbelievers toward accepting the grace gift that we all have received and to pray at all times in your prayer closet. “Big Milen” lived a big life that exhibited a spirit of forgiveness, strength balanced with tenderness, and commitment based on the trust he held in his own eternal life through Christ. Milen leaves behind two adored grand-dogs (River & Mac) that he spoiled in return for their simple reminders of God's wonderful creation and for how Jesus Christ works all things together for the good of those who love Our Creator. Milen’s immediate family held a small private viewing with service of Christian committal. Interment with full military honors followed at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies. We request that in respect of our mourning, please personally read The Gospel of John, or listen to it being read aloud on audio so that you will meet Jesus of Nazareth for yourself, and then realize that our family does not grieve without inexpressible hope & the peace that surpasses all understanding. “Laku noć Papa...You will see us first...from the other side!” Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Thursday June 11th, 2026, at 11am. Friends are welcome to attend. Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #862 will provide full military honors for their fellow fallen comrade. The Department of the Navy awarded the Navy Achievement Medal to Corporal Milen Cokrlic, Jr. for meritorious service during his active years of December 1967 to January 1969.
