Morris Cohen

Morris Cohen ("Moe"), beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, dentist, and friend, passed peacefully at home at the age of 103. Born September 10, 1922, at Women's Hospital in Washington, DC, Moe lived a long and vibrant life, sharing his warmth, humor, and kindness to everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Moe was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 66 years, Dorothy Zatz Cohen ("Dottie"), who passed in 2016, and by his siblings Leon (Frieda), Albert (Ouita), and Miriam (Sam Koren). He was a loving father to Paul (Cyna), Steve (Beaver), Ellen (Grant Ottenstein), and Jack. Moe's legacy continues through his six grandchildren—Sara Cohen (Norm Rich), Mia Cohen (David Renaud), Erica Cohen (Alan Kaplan), Sybil Ottenstein (Evan Hammer), Joseph Ottenstein (Aubrey Cox), and Melanie Ottenstein—and thirteen great-grandchildren: Amelia, Sean, Julia, and Lauren Rich; Jem and Perse Renaud; Saul, Sylvie, and Noa Kaplan; Arlo, Rosie, and Ben Ottenstein; and Lenny Hammer. He also leaves behind numerous nieces nephews, cousins, and countless cherished friends.
Moe's passion for dentistry was matched only by his commitment to his patients and community. Renowned for his skill, integrity, and genuine concern, Moe's thriving practice lives on through his son Paul and granddaughter Sara, a testament to his enduring influence and mentorship.
An avid tennis player and lifelong DC sports fan, Moe's competitive spirit was rivaled only by his legendary charm, joyous schtick, and his love for Israel. Moe held fast to a mindset of fostering relationships, building community, and giving back, values recognized by numerous honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jewish Federation of Washington, the Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Award, special commendations from Israel Bonds, the DC Dental Society, the Washington Institute for Leadership, service as President of the DC Dental Society, and appointment as a fellow of both the American and International College of Dentists. Moe also served in the Navy during World War II and as a Navy dentist during the Korean War. Yet, Moe's greatest impact was felt through daily acts of kindness, curiosity, and humor. Moe's love for family, friends, community, and Israel was profound, and his legacy endures brightly in the countless lives he touched.
Moe's funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 12 p.m., at B'nai Israel Congregation, followed by burial at Judean Memorial Gardens. Shiva will be observed Tuesday through Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. each evening at the home of Paul and Cyna Cohen.
Moe Cohen will be dearly missed, but remembered with love, gratitude, and a smile. May his memory be a blessing for all who knew him.
Funeral services entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg