Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1936
DIED
2026
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Cohen Obituary
Amherst, MA - Michael Cohen passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 89, in Amherst. He had lived in Pelham for the previous 63 years, where he built a pottery studio with his then-wife, Harriet in 1972.
Michael was born on March 7, 1936, to Murray S. Cohen and Sadie (Lipson) Cohen in Boston. His older brother, Fred Cohen, passed away in 1990.
Michael was a renowned studio potter who attended, taught at, and helped build some of the most influential pottery schools in the U.S., including Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and Penland School of Crafts. After starting a studio in his mother's basement, he later joined with Bill Wyman to open Herring Run Pottery in East Weymouth, MA. In 1964 he married Harriet Goodwin, also a potter. Together they started the first Cohen Pottery in New Ipswich, NH, before settling in Pelham.
Michael helped establish Studio Potter magazine and was a founder of the Asparagus Valley Potters Guild, which continues to support clay artists throughout the valley.
Michael's functional pottery and sculpture are in the collections of museums across the U.S., including the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, and the Smithsonian. After decades of making primarily functional pottery, he moved his focus to distinctive blue imprinted tiles, which he made with his son, Joshua.
Michael was also a photographer, trained by the army before being sent to Germany to be a military photographer. He later used these skills to photograph his own pottery and that of others. During his time in Europe he also visited many pottery studios, and later in life enjoyed traveling to Europe as a tourist.
Michael is survived by his ex-wife, Harriet Goodwin, and children Amanda Cohen and Joshua Cohen, Joshua's partner Molly Falsetti-Yu, and her son Alex Yu. A celebration of life is planned for this spring.
His family would like to thank the Arbors at Amherst for all of their support during the last few years.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cohen
Karen Thompson
February 5, 2026
We have the blue tiles and some lovely memories; also handprint plates of our younger two children. Thank you for your talent. Bill and Karen Thompson
Dick Bourgault
January 24, 2026
Michael became my neighbor in the mid 60s. I worked part time for Michael throwing and preparing clay, etc during HS. A few years ago, while I was showing my art at Art Prize in Grand Rapids, Mi., I contacted Michael. We talked on the phone for quite a long time, talking about old times, and what adventures we had been through over the years. I was blessed to have been neighbors and friends. Lucky me! Michael was a gifted man and artist, who helped me grasp meanings of art and life far beyond the New England village, where I spent my first 18 years of life. Dick Bourgault, Appleton 66
Peter Dellert
January 23, 2026
I met Michael in Maine in 1976 where I was an apprentice in the studio of Ron Burke who had attended Cranbrook with Ron. I was firing Ron´s kiln for the first time with all my own pots. As I worried out loud about the results Michael chimed. " No worries. You can always fire them again!" He was an inspiration for many, myself included.
Patrick Quinlan
January 22, 2026
He was a very funny person-some of his pieces were a hoot. He was at our wedding in 1984. His cobalt blue stamped tiles are EVERYWHERE.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Deborah Bergeron
January 22, 2026
I have some of his beautiful pottery. i will treasure his beautiful work. God Bless you and your family.
Joni Elizabeth
January 22, 2026
I am a very good friend of Josh, Michael´s son, have been friends since way back in 1987.
I adored Michael, always so welcoming and funny. We got to make some pretty cool pottery back in the day, definitely miss those daysMuch love to the family during this time, always love and peace, Joni
Marilyn & Steve Monsein
January 22, 2026
Marilyn and I were saddened to hear of Michael's passing. A truly good humanbeing and great artisan. He will be missed.
Marilyn & Steve Monsein
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Cohen's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Cohen
People and places connected with Michael
Recent Obituaries
How to support Michael's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Cohen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
