Reverend John E. Cockayne died in Florida on August 1, 2024, at the age of 72. He was ordained on February 9, 1985, by the Most. Rev. John F. Whealon, at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph. He served at St. Bernard in Enfield and St. Thomas in Thomaston, as well as Spiritual Director for the Office of People with Disabilities. He retired (Senior Status) due to health in 2005.

His funeral will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Church of Saint Dominic, Parish of Saint Luke, 1050 Flanders Road in Southington with the Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Archbishop of Hartford, as the Main Celebrant (wake in church preceding the Mass, 9:00-11:00 AM). Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery in Southington.

May he rest in peace.