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BORN
1945
DIED
2018
STEPHEN COHEN Obituary
Stephen Bruce Cohen died at home on August 17, 2018 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a loving husband and father, professor of law, human rights activist. Born on September 11th, 1945 in Philadelphia to Sylvan and Alma Cohen, he graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1963, from Amherst College in 1967, and from Yale Law School in 1971. He was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights from 1978-80. For 38 years he taught at Georgetown Law School, specializing in the areas of tax and international human rights. He is survived by his wife Laura Sager, his children Samara Neely-Cohen and Maxwell Neely-Cohen, his brother Marc Copland, his stepchildren Matthew Sager and Jessica Sager, and a step-grandchild Sophia Pandya. Donations in his memory to All Our Kin and to Refugees International are requested.
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Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN COHEN
Jon Peirce
August 28, 2022
The liberal spokesman for our Amherst class of 1967 for many, many years, starting even before graduation with a survey showing a solid majority of the class opposed to the Vietnam War.
Jack Hailey
January 9, 2022
Whenever I think about my time at Amherst College, I miss Steve. He was a champion of human rights as well as an articulate opponent of US involvement in Vietnam. The Post's obituary noted that Steve was president of the student council at Amherst; he was also a summa cum laude graduate, one of four that year. Here is a screenshot of Steve presenting an anti-war petition signed by 175 out of 265 graduating seniors who were U.S. citizens. His press conference was covered by ABC News during its weekly "ABC Scope" broadcast. Steve's family knows how warm, insightful, and funny he could be, and I join many friends extending condolences to them.
Paul Sunstein
January 1, 2019
From my home town, he was a principal reason that I went to Amherst College. I roomed with him one year and remained full of admiration for his unflagging mental energy, liveliness and independence. Of all the people I know, he may have gotten the most out of Amherst College. It was the perfect place for him. I regret losing touch with him a few years after College and am presently kicking myself for giving up on him. Marc, perhaps you remember me.
August 26, 2018
We offer our condolences. We pray in your behalf, and we offer the hope of welcoming back our loved ones on a Paradise earth. Psm 37:29
P. Marie Gibson
August 25, 2018
"The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." - Numbers 6:26. My condolences.
Linda Mc
August 24, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May the fond memories of your loved one sustain your family at this time. May you also receive comfort from what is stated at 1 Peter 5:6,7.
Janet Hoffman
August 23, 2018
Steve was a real presence in high school and made us proud throughout his professional career. And even though he was always engaged in serious and important work, he never lost his sense of humor. We all loved him dearly. He will be sorely missed.
August 23, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Cohen. Our Creator promises to comfort and give you the strength to cope each day without him. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many.
August 23, 2018
My most deepest condolence to his loving family. And may our god of love and mercy bring great comfort to you. Mathews 5:4
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