Alvin I. Cohen

Dr. Alvin I. Cohen (age 87) of Easthampton, died on February 28, 2021 at his home. Born April 4, 1933 in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late David and Sophie (Banks) Cohen.

Al was a 1955 graduate of Northeastern University receiving a B.A. degree in Psychology. His advanced graduate work was done at Southern Illinois University where he earned a Masters in Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling in 1957 and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 1960. He moved to Northampton in 1961.

Early in his career he was a psychologist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Leeds. In 1965 he began teaching at Westfield State College and for many years was Director of the College Counseling Center. He attained the rank of full professor, and then after 32 years of teaching, retired in 1997. In addition, he was a consulting psychotherapist for many years at the Mental Health Clinic in Holyoke and at the outpatient clinic of the former Northampton State Hospital. In 1969 he established a private practice of psychotherapy for adolescents, adults and couples in Northampton, from which he retired in 1997.

In his free time, he loved to play golf and listen to music, especially jazz. For many years, he enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winter. Swimming and sunning were also favorite activities.

He leaves his wife Shirley (Weiss) of 67 years, three daughters, Judith (Joseph) Danna of Hanover NH; Lisa Cohen (Bernard Smith) of Bronx NY; and Sharon (Mark) Priven of Albany CA; and seven grandchildren, Misha, Shevi, Gabi, David, Morgan, Sam and Miriam.

A family graveside service will be held. The family wishes to thank the Hospice team members for their compassionate care. Memorial gifts may be made to the Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice, PO Box 329, Northampton MA 01061. The Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home is assisting the family.