Robert S. Cohen, 89, of Slingerlands, NY died in his son and daughter-in-law’s home on Wednesday December 14, 2022, after a long, brave struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on November 20, 1933 in Boston, he was the son of the late Saul J. Cohen and Ruth Aronstein Cohen.
Bob lived almost all of his life in Pittsfield, MA. Graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1951, he attended the University of Massachusetts and received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, in 1955 and 1963, respectively. Bob enlisted in the Air Force following college and was trained as a navigator. He remained in active service until 1957, and stayed in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 1968, retiring at the rank of Captain. Spending his entire working career at General Electric, Bob was a loyal company man, holding a number of senior engineering and management positions in the Distribution Transformer and Ordnance Departments. He retired in 1993, as Manager of Field Engineering, after 36 years of service.
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his twin brother Edward and younger brother Bernard, and cousins Claire Rosenfield and Alma Arlos. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Iris Cohen of Slingerlands, NY; his children Jeffrey Cohen (Jackie Gaffney) of Slingerlands, NY, Andrew Cohen (Laurie) of San Francisco, CA, and Ruth Cohen (Robert Thistle) of Lee, MA. Bob is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Hannah and Sarah Cohen, Devan (Ashleigh), Quinn and Carolyn Cohen, and John and Patricia Thistle. Bob is lovingly remembered by his siblings Janet B. Lysy (Dusan), and Stephen J. Cohen, sisters-in-law Christina Cohen and Geraldine Cohen, and brother-in-law Alan Sidman (Sharman). His nieces and nephews include Sherri Lysy, Erin Johnstone (Eric), Kara Lysy and David (Meg) Lysy, Derek Cohen and Cheryl Cohen Owens (Charles), Michael Cohen (Shana), Stasha Cohen (Mark), Mark Woolsey Paige (Sonya), and David Cohen (Kathleen).
Bob loved to be around people, and regularly met with friends at various Pittsfield restaurants, card games, the YMCA, and anywhere else that he could find someone to chat with. He was a keen observer of the world, keeping up with the political and financial news of the day. His memory was photographic and his navigation skills were keen; he could visit a city once and remember precise directions years later. Bob also liked to drive fast (much to his wife’s chagrin).
Bob was an avid, accomplished and fast-playing golfer, nick-named “the pacer” because he paced while “patiently” waiting for others to hit their shots. He started playing in his early 20s when he was in the Air Force stationed in Texas. He was a longtime member of both the Berkshire Hills Country Club and then the Pittsfield Country Club. He was known, after business trips, to sometimes furtively return to the golf course for a quick round before going home.
Bob was a lifelong congregant of Knesset Israel Synagogue and Judaism was deeply important to him. He attended daily services for many years, and volunteered in a number of capacities. His devotion to public service also included work on the Pittsfield Solid Waste Committee and the Economic Revitalization Committee (PERC).
Bob will be remembered for his devotion to his friends, his outgoing personality, his sense of humor, and his love of Frank Sinatra’s music. He was known for his generosity, and his desire to take care of family and friends. Bob was the one who people called when they were in need. Most importantly, Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed and remain forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.Alz.org), or to Congregation Knesset Israel (www.knessetisrael.org). The Funeral will be held on Sunday, December 18 at 10:30a.m. at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com