A memorial created by co-workers sat next to the hot dog cart outside the Corner Room on College Avenue yesterday. The memorial paid homage to a great family man, friend and neighbor, known by most as the "hot dog man."
John Cocolin Sr., of State College, died yesterday morning at the age of 86 due to a brain aneurysm, his son John Cocolin Jr. said.
Cocolin Sr. moved to State College nine years ago to be closer to his family, especially his grandson. He had been in the restaurant business all his life, dreaming to open his own hot dog shop, and when he arrived in State College, it seemed like the perfect opportunity, his son said.
Cocolin Jr. is president and co-owner of Hotel State College and has owned the now-famous cart for more than 25 years. The cart used to be manned by high school and college students, but for the last several years, it was solely his father's responsibility.
