Jack W. Cohen of Ellington, 92, died June 28, 2018 at Windham Hospital. Born in New York City, son of Isidor and Sarah (Barnett) Cohen, he grew up in the city of his birth until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 18. He was a Pharmacist’s Mate, Neuropsychiatric Technician, during his naval career.
Upon discharge from the Navy, Jack attended the University of Missouri and earned a bachelor’s degree in Zoology in 1949. He earned graduate degrees at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) and the University of Connecticut (Storrs). He was married to Francine J. (Salovin) Cohen for 34 years prior to her death in 1989.
Jack’s teaching career started in Stamford, CT as Assistant Headmaster and Science Teacher at The Roosevelt School. He was later employed at Milford High School in Milford, CT. His final teaching experience was at The University of Connecticut, School of Education and at the Edwin O. Smith School in Storrs where he taught biology and was the Science Department Head until his retirement in 1989.
During his 31 years in Storrs he was very involved with Methods in Science Education and Student Teaching at the university level. In 1967 Jack Cohen was awarded Connecticut’s “Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year” by the National Association of Biology Teachers. For several summer’s he taught biology in the University of Connecticut’s CONNPEP (Connecticut Pre-College Enrichment Program) for disadvantaged youngsters from inner cities.
Jack was an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher. His philosophy was that subject matter was a vehicle and regardless of its complexity, it could be simplified in such a way that any student could at least grasp the concept. While working in Storrs Jack was appointed to the Drug Education Liaison Committee of Connecticut’s Drug Advisory Council and was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, education program.
Prior to his residency in Ellington, Jack lived in Coventry and was a member of the Coventry Rotary Club, and Paul Harris Fellow. He was a strong advocate for community volunteering and personally participated in volunteering programs such as American Cancer Society research surveys, Medicare Beneficiary Survey and Yale Medical School research. He was also a member of the Better Age Singers in Ellington and participated in Ellington Senior Center activities.
In Rockville, he regularly volunteered at the Cornerstone Foundation Clothing Bank. Jack Is survived by several nieces and nephews, he was predeceased by a brother, Leon Cooper. However, he always felt that some of his lifelong friends and a few newly acquired friends were his “real family” and he was extremely fortunate to be associated with such generous and supporting people who enriched his life.
Besides his love for family and friends, Jack had two other interests; music, his constant companion, and the New York Yankees, his team since early childhood. A private graveside service will be in Sharon Gardens, Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Connecticut Foundation, Storrs, CT for the Francine J. and Jack W. Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund.
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