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Albert Cohn Obituary
Albert L. Cohn, 83, of West Orange and Chimark, Mass., formerly of Montclair, died on Tuesday, Dec. 27.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 29 in Robert Schoem's Menorah Chapel in Paramus, with burial in Cedar Park Cemetery.
Born in Paterson to a family of lawyers, Mr. Cohn graduated from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School. He served in the U.S. Air Force and joined his father's firm, which he later built into his own and relocated to Saddle Brook.
Mr. Cohn was managing partner of Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf of Saddlebrook until November, when he was suddenly diagnosed with advanced metastatic melanoma. Less than two weeks earlier, he had attended his 60th Harvard Law School class reunion and was still rising daily at 6:15 a.m., in homage to June 14, 1959, the day he married his wife of 52 years, Sylvia.
Mr. Cohn was a president of Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Montclair, a trustee of the Jewish Theological Seminary, a member of the council of trustees of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and a trustee of the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, appearing as a walk-on in their productions of "The Mikado," "HMS Pinafore" and "The Pirates of Penzance."
His articles on litigation have appeared publications including Medical Malpractice Litigation and Strategy, the Rutgers Law Journal, the New Jersey State Bar Journal, and the American Bar Journal.
An adjunct professor at Rutgers School of Law-Newark for 26 years, Mr. Cohn chaired the board of the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education for 13 years, and was honored by the New Jersey Bar Association with the Alfred C. Clapp Award for Excellence in continuing legal education in 1994.
Mr. Cohn co-authored the state's standard reference book on professional negligence. He was a fellow of the American Bar Association Foundation and a trustee of the Bergen Bar Foundation. He was a founder of the Morris Pashman Inn of Court and was past president of the Harvard Law School Association of New Jersey.
Mr. Cohn is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his five children, Melissa, Joshua and his wife Sharon Cohn, Priscilla and her husband Dan Karnovsky, Liza and her husband Bill Wallach, and Tad; his sister, Betty Ann Weintraub; and his nine grandchildren, Sarah Alvarez, Samantha Paprin, Rebecca, Abby and Zaky Cohn, Sydney and Nicholas Karnovsky, and Benjamin and Gus Wallach.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his memory be made to the Melonoma Research Alliance, www.melanomaresearchalliance.org.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert Cohn
25 Entries
January 4, 2012
Throw our deepest sorrows in God's hands because he will always be there to comfort us Psalms 55 vs 22. Please accept my condolences.
Sincerely,
Stuart Deutsch
January 3, 2012
Dear Sylvia and family,
Holly and I are deeply saddened by Albert's passing. He was a marvelous colleague and friend. Our thoughts are with you. We hope you can find solace in wonderful memories of many happy years together.
Lories Nye-Slockbower
January 1, 2012
I extend my deepest sympathies to Tad and his family. Although I never met Mr. Cohn, I have the privilege of working with his son, Tad. It appears he left a loving legacy which is a blessing to each one. My prayers are with you.
Lories Nye-Slockbower, Wayne, New Jersey
Nancy Wymer
December 31, 2011
My deepest sympathies go to Tad and his family at this difficult time. I remember meeting Mr. Cohn when Tad performed in "A Few Good Men", and I remember him telling me how proud he was of his son, and how glad he was to see him play his part so well. He was a gentle soul who will be greatly missed.
Amy Shimm-Noveshen
December 30, 2011
Some of my best and earliest childhood memories include Albert and the amazing Cohn family every New Year's eve. Up late at night, tearing the house apart, I always remember his laughter. He was like a second father to me in a way, always welcoming, accepting, loving. He will be sorely missed, and remembered often. We have a candle burning right now for him out here in San Francisco. All my love and hugs for you, Sylvia, Melissa, Josh, Priscilla, "Liiz-y", Tad and their families.
sean breslin
December 29, 2011
a great lawyer and a true gentlman. he will be missed and not forgotten.
Pattyanne Lyons
December 29, 2011
To Priscilla, Mrs. Cohn, and the entire Cohn family - you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Pattyanne Lyons
Boston Ice Sharks Hockey
James McGovern
December 29, 2011
When I first met Albert during the Rutgers Moot Court competitions, I sensed he was someone special. Here the man who made the competition possible was taking time to give each of us an encouraging word or ask about our future plans. When he took me on as a summer associate, he invited me to trial with him, always taking care to introduce me to judges and fellow attorneys. Upon joining the firm, I observed the culture he instilled of care for the entire person, marked by regard for the needs of each member of the staff, no matter how august or humble, distinct respect for his or her unique circumstances and concerns, and an appreciation for his or her particular gifts and insights. As an attorney I benefitted I personally from Albert's mentorship and solicitude. As a man I am deeply grateful for Albert's friendship and manifold kindnesses; I will always cherish his example of integrity, generosity and industry; and I will always smile to recall his sparkling wit and contagious good humor. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Margaret Cambridge
December 29, 2011
I first met Albert Cohn at a job interview back in 1978. Albert called me Miss Margaret. I was amazed. No one other than my Uncle Guy had ever called me that and Uncle Guy had done so since I was a small child. This was amazing. Albert knew my Uncle. I was a shoe-in for the job! Soon I came to realize that Albert affectionately referred to all the ladies at Cohn Lifland as "Miss" followed by their first name. Many years have come and gone since that day in '78 but up until his last days at Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf Albert never missed an opportunity to say Good Morning Miss Margaret--or Good Afternoon for that matter when he knew I was late! Physically Albert may not have been a man of great stature but he had a massive heart. Your family did you proud today Albert. You would be pleased. And so the passing of an era. You will be missed. Rest in Peace Mr. Cohn.
Miss Margaret
Jason Tuchman
December 29, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Cohn family at this time of sorrow. I am blessed beyond words for having the opportunity to work closely with Albert for nearly seven years. His love for his family and his dedication to his law practice were truly inspirational. Albert was an incredible mentor in life and in my career and I will miss him dearly.
Maurice McLaughlin
December 29, 2011
It was a shock when I heard Albert passed, because I just assumed that as long as there was the practice of law in New Jersey, he'd be in the middle of it. He had a big impact on me. My heart goes out to his entire family. However, while it is impossible not to mourn given such a loss, I hope that we can try to live with the joy and enthusiasm he brought to every day I knew him. My prayers are with you.
Patti Geib Stella
December 29, 2011
"My prayers go out to the entire Cohn Family. There will never be anyone quite like him. He was one of a kind and I will never forget the warm smile on his face as he passed me in the hallways of CLPH&K greeting me with 'Hi Miss Patti!' Thank you for the many fond memories and the friendships I made at your firm.
Carolyn Cohen Alan Dershowitz
December 29, 2011
We were so saddened and surprised to hear of Albert's death. Our deepest sympathy to Sylvia and their family. We remember just last summer how much pleasure Albert got sitting in his Chilmark back yard looking out over that magnificent view. He looked so very content being there with Sylvia and his visiting family. Whenever we ran into Albert, whether at the post office or farmer's market, his warmth and good spirits reached out to us. We wish Sylvia and the family strength and love in this very difficult time. We send our love and good thoughts to you, Sylvia.
Edmond Provder
December 29, 2011
Our prayers and condolences to Sylvia, Joshua and his entire family. Albert was a client and friend of mine for over 30 years and we worked together on some of the most interesting trials. He was a brilliant attorney and knowledgeable in many areas of the law from Personal Injury to Divorce. He was extremely supportive of me during my career and I will miss his comments about how my ties never matched my socks when I testified for him!! As a personal friend, I will never forget him coming to my house for a Super Bowl party or having dinner or attending a party in his home. My family, my office, and I will greatly miss him....
Judy G. Russell
December 29, 2011
Teacher. Mentor. Friend. I am so very fortunate to be one of the many many members of the Rutgers Law community who can use those words to describe Albert Cohn. I am so sorry to be out of state today and unable to be there in person to express my condolences to Sylvia and the family. Everyone who ever knew and loved Al will miss his smile and that twinkle in his eye. RIP, my friend.
Jason M
December 28, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire extended family at this time. Though I dont make it out to the Jersey area often, when I have, I was priveleged to see Albert and Sylvia many times and they were always so pleasant and enjoyable, like at a Passover Seder or at a dinner.
Their children are wonderful and it shows on what a great product came out of these two wonderful people! May Sylvia and the entire family find the strength and courage to mourn his loss now and then celebrate his life, his work, his dedication to all immediatly afterwards and forever!
In Alberts name, I donated toys for the holidays to children with cancer, this way, Albert continues to put a smile on so many more lives that need it!
Albert, I did not get to say goodbye, but I say this to you, as the world we know today, Rest In Peace, you are in a better place! Look down on everyone from Heaven and watch over us!
Miss Jenn
December 28, 2011
With great affection, respect and admiration I will truly miss Albert. I could never repay the kindness and patience he showed me and I will be forever grateful for the confidence he shared with me.
Andrew Abrams
December 28, 2011
Moving back to NJ after being away for many years, I was not sure where I would land my first job. Albert took a chance on me and I became a member of his firm and, along with that, a member of his family. How rare it is to look back on a job and have only the fondest of memories. He was that rare man who made it all possible. A unique combination of Paterson and Martha's Vineyard, the city mouse AND the country mouse. He had a twinkle in his eye and a bounce to his step. He demanded excellence at the workplace and you wanted to please him because you knew in doing so you were being the best you could possibly be. He held office meetings every Monday at 5:30, NOT because they did it on LA Law, but because he needed to know that attention was being given to every case, every client. He made his associates perform Christmas skits, NOT to demean us, but to help us understand that all the world is a stage and that the chance to perform was a privilege and an honor. He insisted upon mock trial competitions for his associates to stress the value of continuing legal education before it was en vogue or required by the bar, bringing out our competitive best but never putting us at odds. Years later I have come to appreciate the methods to his professional madness as he constantly yearned to raise the Bar to its highest level and remind us all that we were members of a most noble association. A star shines brightly tonight over Menemsha Bay guiding sailors to a better place, just as he helped guide me and all those fortunate enough to have known him. A gentleman and a scholar. A boss, a father figure and a friendly smile that will forever be remembered and forever missed.
Sue Kosakowski
December 28, 2011
My condolences and prayers are with the Cohn family at this difficult time. While I only had the opportunity to meet Mr. Cohn a few times, my son, Bob Ricci, often spoke fondly of the knowledge gained and guidance given while working for and with him. For that I am grateful.
December 28, 2011
P.S. I forgot to sign my name to the above post. ALC would have caught that mistake if he were proofing it!
Stacey Smetana, Saddle Brook, NJ
December 28, 2011
I had the great pleasure of sitting right outside Albert's office for 6 years. He was such a wonderful person and he truly cared about his employees. I can still hear the "knock" by my desk as he walked by and the "Miss Stace" as he passed me in the hallway. I take pride in the fact that I was the only one EVER to get him out on that softball field...AND HE WAS GOOD!!! Although I haven't worked at CLPH&K since 2002, I have always, and will always, remember him very fondly.
My condolences to the entire Cohn family.
Robert Ricci
December 28, 2011
Sadness filled my heart when I heard the news. I had the pleasure to work for Albert for 6 years as a matrimonial attorney. There is no doubt that he made me a better attorney, a better businessman and most importantly, a better person. It is amazing when I reflect upon how many times I find myself saying to a judge, colleague or client, "That reminds me of something my old boss Albert said/did". And my repertoire of old jokes is about 75% Albert's - and a trial lawyer needs a good inventory of jokes. The truth is that he has had a significant impact upon the type of lawyer that I have become, and my sole wish is that he recognized that, and was proud.
My condolences to the Cohn family.
Miss Dee & Ray Jacunski
December 28, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jeanne Courboin
December 28, 2011
With deepest sympathy to family and all who were privileged enough to know Albert Cohn.
December 28, 2011
Words cannot express what a great loss this is to the human race. His smile, positive energy, sense of humor and spirit will forever live in my heart.
Miss Denise
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