Arthur M. Kohs

1937 - 2022

Arthur M. Kohs of Cromwell CT, formerly of Higganum CT for 47 years, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Arthur, the son of Max and Miriam Kohs, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on April 29, 1937, and moved to Hadlyme, CT, in 1938. "Artie," as he was affectionately called, graduated from Nathan Hale Ray High School in Moodus CT in 1955. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Springfield College in 1959, and a Master of Science from the University of Oregon in 1960. That same year, he began his teaching career in Hanover Park High School in New Jersey. In 1961, he returned to Hale Ray High School as teacher, Director of Athletics, and head coach for soccer, basketball, and baseball, winning multiple championships including the class S soccer state championships in 1961 and 1962. In 1963, Art was hired by Xavier High School in Middletown as its Director of Athletics and teacher of physical education. Art was Xavier's first hire, as the school was being constructed, and was charged with building Xavier's athletic program. At Xavier, Art also served in numerous other capacities including as Xavier's first head basketball coach from 1963-1979. He amassed over 200 victories and reached the CIAC state semifinals in 1969 and 1975. As Athletic Director, Art was instrumental in the formation of both the All-Connecticut Conference, and in 1994, the Southern Connecticut Conference of which Xavier is a member today. Art was also active in athletics outside of Xavier. He served as a soccer official for 25 years for the Central Connecticut Soccer Officials Association and the CT State Soccer Officials Association, working numerous state championship games, and was also past president of both organizations. He served on numerous committees for the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors, and the Connecticut High School Coaches Association. Along with his longtime friends, coach Jake Salafia of Cromwell HS, and coach Wally Camp of Coginchaug HS, Art co-owned the Fundamental Basketball Camp located first in Moodus, then at Mitchell College in New London for over 25 years. Art earned numerous awards throughout his career, including the Central CT Soccer Officials Distinguished Service Award, the Central CT Board of Basketball Officials Commissioners Award, the National Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association State Award of Merit, the CT Association of Athletic Directors Distinguished Service Award, and the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Dedicated Service to Youth Award. He was inducted into Xavier's Hall of Honors in 1988, the Nathan Hale-Ray High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1993, and the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame in 2003, alongside his daughter Paula. After his retirement from Xavier in 1997, he was honored with the naming of Xavier's gym as the Arthur M. Kohs Gymnasium. Art remained active throughout his retirement. He was on staff as an assistant basketball coach for several years for his son Michael at Xavier. He also continued to serve the Southern Connecticut Conference as its scheduling coordinator until his passing. Beyond his professional career, Art was devoted to his loving wife Carolyn and to his children and his grandchildren. He coached his children in Little League baseball, and always enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends. He and Carolyn never missed any athletic events of their children and grandchildren. Art and Carolyn were passionate supporters of both Xavier and Mercy High Schools, especially their basketball teams. When his mobility slowed and he sometimes couldn't attend games in person, he continued to support both teams by watching their livestream broadcasts. Arthur was predeceased by Carolyn Kohs, his loving wife of 55 years. He leaves behind son Todd Kohs and wife Suzanne of Cheboygan, MI; son Michael Kohs and wife Robin, and grandchildren Sarah, Stephen, and Lauren of Portland CT; son Tim Kohs and wife Carlye, and grandchildren Avery and Brett of Higganum, CT; and daughter Paula Kohs Drake and husband Mark, and grandchildren Thomas, Emma, Leah, and Clara of Waxhaw, NC. He also leaves his sister-in-law Diana Schleis, nieces Kim Fetera, Barbara Walker, and Lorraine Schleis, nephew Joseph Schleis, and their families. Art was also predeceased by his infant son Thomas Kohs, and his two brothers-in-law, Edward Schleis Jr., and Arthur Schleis. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Artie's name to the Arthur M. Kohs Scholarship Fund at Xavier High School or to Mercy High School Athletics. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday (Mar. 23rd) from 4 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown, CT. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Church, 310 Westfield St., Middletown, CT, on Thursday (Mar. 24th) at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Bridget of Kildare Cemetery in Moodus, CT. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.