Joel Cohen

The world seems much reduced without Joel. I miss his vitality, his smile, his warmth, his excellence, the beauty of his sound on a cello, his kindness. I think he loved everything he did, whether music, or food, or friendships, and he gave everything care and attention. He was fully in the moment, and we celebrate him and mourn our loss.

The photo above of Joel radiates the sweet, kind personality I was fortunate to know during our several years together in the Oakland Symphony. Sharon and I were delighted when we happened to encounter him on a sidewalk in Ukiah on a vacation up north and to experience his undiminished love of life and of people. Condolences to Eleanor, Josh, Jeremy, and the entire family.

Dear Joel, I'm so sad I did not get to meet and know you personally. But knowing your brother Jeremy, and being aware now of how close you must have been, you surely were a wonderful human being and a marvellous musician. I don't know where your spirit and soul are now, but wherever it may be, Rest in Peace.

I only met Joel once, at the New Directions Cello Festival in Appleton Wisconsin in the early 2000´s. However I feel that I knew him well through the many mutual friends and colleagues we shared. And I remember vividly his soulful rendition of Bach´s 6th suite Sarabande in a late night "jam session" where everyone played their favorite movements from the suites. A remarkable man.

Joel and I were music nerds together in the Oakland Youth Symphony a million years ago. A wonderful spirit, musician and friend. My love goes out to his family as does Jane's. Ben Simon

Joel taught our two boys to love cello, taught them many important things about themselves and others, and was a beloved friend to our entire family. Joel was full of positive energy and had an amazing zest for life - I think this is one of many reasons we find his sudden passing particularly hard to process. We all miss him deeply. Here are what our children wrote about him (comments summarized):

"Joel was really funny, passionate, kind, and caring... I enjoyed every lesson we ever had! I wish we could have more time with him." (Max, age 10Y)

"[Joel] was always willing to risk being late to his next commitment if it helped one of his students to learn a new concept. I loved that even though he was so busy, he always acted relaxed and never rushed anyone... Joel was really easy to talk to, and he got along well with everyone. He loved all musicians and all kinds of music. Joel was a very special person, and I will miss him a lot." (Xander, age 14 YO)

We will never forget Joel or his impact on our boys and our family. We send our deepest condolences to Joel's family, extended family, and closest friends. Keeping you close in heart at this time.

Haemel family (Anna, Nick, Xander (14YO), Max (10YO)

Joel was my friend because of our men's group "BNO". What a personality Joel carried with him always! We talk about his music and his desserts - achievements that in many ways defined the best of him to the world. I loved those tangibles about him too, but for me, I think it was the DELIGHT that Joel brought to every gathering. Even when he was going through his heart surgery years ago, his shy, beaming smile defined his will to live. All who knew Joel will miss him and his joy for life. In my naitivity I thought we would all grow old together, laughing, eating, drinking and telling stories well into our 90s. Not to be. Rest In Peace my friend.

I´m so incredibly sorry to hear about Joel. I first met him in 2004 at the airport heading for the New Directions Cello Festival. He lent me his beautiful Grubaugh/Seifert cello as mine had been badly damaged en route from the UK. I subsequently commissioned and bought a cello from the same maker and visited Joel with my 11-year old son to pick it up. Joel was so kind to us both and such an interesting person and fabulous chef! We remained good friends over the years and I will really miss him. Sending condolences to all the Cohen family x

All my deepest condolences to your family. Joel was always so kind and easy to talk to, especially in French! Never missed a chance to converse with me which was truly special to me. I´ll miss him a lot... his succulent chocolates as well. But especially his humanity. Thinking of you all during this difficult transition time. With all my love. Lylia

I met Joel while working for KZYX. Enjoyed our many conversations and working with him to help promote community events. So sorry to read of his passing.

We have enjoyed several concerts that Joel generously performed in at PVE. He was a very generous and outgoing man. We, too, will miss him. Ian & Wanda

Joel will be sorely missed. His presence at our Shul was always a sweet and welcoming presence and his cello playing was literally Divine. Sending his family and loved ones my condolences and much love.
Janae

Dear Joel,
I only had the opportunity of meeting you once. It was at La Finestra Restaurant where I was playing solo piano. You were so kind to me. Your wife, Michelle sang beautifully. I hadn't accompanied her for many years. Before you left that evening, I had the opportunity of asking you questions. Your responses were so humble. You were so proud of Michelle, your mother, and your brothers. I would have liked to have had more of a connection with you. You left this earth too soon...
Bob Athayde

Joel saved me once, many years ago, when he could tell I was depressed. He gave me a copy of the book, "Messages from Michael," and it changed everything for me, gave me hope. He has had a very special place in my heart ever since. A few years ago I realized he probably had meant to lend me the book, which I never returned! I bought and gave to him the 25th anniversary edition, so that was a reminder to him of how much he had meant to me. In spite of the hopeful "Messages," I'm very sad that the Joel we all knew is no longer with us.

Dear Cohen Family,

Our hearts are with you during this incredibly painful time. There are no words that can truly capture what Joel meant to us, but we want you to know that he left a mark on our family that will never fade.

The first piece Joel and my son Juan played together was Vivaldi´s Double Cello Concerto in D Minor. It was just the two of them and in that moment, something shifted. We saw a spark in Juan that we hadn´t seen before. There was a deep connection in their music, and it was clear that Joel wasn´t just a teacher he was someone truly special.

Joel believed in Juan when he needed it most. He gave him purpose, confidence, and the kind of support that changes lives. He was Juan´s mentor, his role model, and his biggest fan. Every lesson lit something up in Juan. He was always asking, "What can I play next for Mr. Joel?" and was so excited to make him proud.

Joel helped Juan practice The Swan, and through that process, they formed a bond of trust and musical understanding. You could feel how much Juan respected him in every note he played. Watching them rehearse or perform together brought me to tears, it was so clear how much Joel inspired him.

What set Joel apart wasn´t just his musical talent, it was his heart. He was patient, kind, and unwavering in his support not just for the students, but for the families too. When we struggled with time or money, he never made us feel like we were less. He worked with us, cared for our kids, and made sure they had a chance to thrive.

As a mother, knowing my son had someone like Joel in his life meant everything. He was someone I trusted completely, someone Juan could turn to when he needed guidance, and someone we all loved and respected deeply.

We will carry Joel´s memory with us always. He changed our lives with his kindness, his music, and his love.

With all our love and deepest sympathy,

Alejandra & Juan Garcia

Joel's music, joy in life, and right living were gifts even to those who only knew him peripherally. I love his words about playing, studying, and especially - listening. He was, in a word, a Mensch. My sincere condolences to all those close to him.

Blessed to have shared a meal and catch up with Joel a few weeks before his passing. I´ve had the pleasure of capturing his impeccable performances with several artist here in Mendocino County.

I was a friend of Joel's in junior high school in Oakland, CA, and afterwards, in high school, when I moved to San Francisco. Joel's musicality was always in evidence, and he was as good a friend as he was a musician, which means he was the best.
I have a special memory of Joel and I attending a concert by Traffic at the Fillmore West, details of which will only be shared in person.
Rest in peace, my friend. May your memory always be a beautiful blessing.

My thoughts are with you....

Joel Cohen's life stands as a beacon for us all.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Joel’s family at this difficult time.

I still can´t believe it. I met Joel when I was 8 years old. he and my brother played in the Oakland Youth Symphony together, and I used to go and sit in on their rehearsals since they rehearsed across the street from where I lived. He is one of the reasons why I started playing cello. When I was in the Oakland Youth Symphony, he came and coached us many times and would not let anybody get away with anything. He pushed us continuously. I remember when I played a guitar Concerto with the Oakland Symphony. It was for two concerts during the day for kids. He and I along with my brother went out to lunch in between concerts. He complimented me on my guitar playing, but immediately started talking to me about my cello playing, and what I needed to do. He was a natural born teacher and his criticism always came from the heart and never from anger. I really enjoyed our chats once we both started teaching at "Simply Strings" for the Santa Rosa Symphony. We talked cooking, music, and life. I looked forward to it every day. He always put a smile on my face, and for that I will always be grateful. I will miss you my friend.