Joseph H. Cobrain

1925 - 2020

Joseph Hugh Cobrain, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully on January 26th, 2020. He was born February 11th, 1925 in New York City, the only child of Joseph and Miriam (Pollak) Cobrain. He was a graduate of The Gunnery, Washington, CT, Class of 1943 and of Yale University, Class of 1950. He entered the Army Air Force in September 1943, and was honorably discharged in March 1946, after serving in France. Hugh married the love of his life, Ann Wadhams, in June 1947, and they lived in Hamden, CT while he attended Yale and then worked at a stock brokerage firm. They moved to West Hartford in 1951 and he worked at The Travelers Insurance Company for over 33 years in the Securities Department, retiring as a Second Vice President. A member of the First Church of Christ, Congregational in West Hartford, Hugh served on the Investment Committee there from 1967-2003. He also served on the Investment Advisory Committee of the Connecticut Institute for the Blind for many years. As a member of the Yale Club of Hartford, Hugh served on the Alumni Schools Committee interviewing prospective students. He was a member of Farmington Country Club and following retirement, he joined the Old Guard. Also, Hugh was a 50-year member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and after retirement, joined its Trails Committee maintaining a 3 ½ mile section of trail in Connecticut. Over the years, he loved playing tennis and paddle tennis, family camping, hiking, and annual backpacking trips to the White Mountains. He also enjoyed spending time at their vacation home in New Hampshire. Most important of all was time spent with his family. He is survived by his wife, Ann and three children: Sally Cobrain (Pat Cancelli), Candace Doersch (Robert Doersch) and David Wadhams Cobrain (Valerie Valentine). He also leaves two grandchildren: Karen Doersch, MD/PhD and Carl Doersch, PhD. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, February 1 from 2-3 PM at The McAuley, 275 Steele Road, West Hartford. Burial will be private at the family's convenience. For online condolences please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com