Dr. Jeffrey Cohen

Dr.  Jeffrey Cohen, of Schenectady, passed away at home at the age of 74, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his adoring wife of 52 years, Cynthia Cohen; his children, Jesse Cohen; Nina Cohen and husband, Jason Gates; Erin Cohen and fiance, Nicholas Brackett; his grandchildren Emma Cohen, Helena Gates, and Sylvia Gates; and his brother, Leslie Cohen and his wife Elaine Cohen. Dr. Cohen was born in Syracuse, NY, the son of Dr. Nathan and Zena Cohen. He had a large, loving extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Dr. Cohen graduated from Ithaca College and received a PhD in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. He taught for many years at Siena College, then became the Associate Director for Research Compliance and Information Management at the SUNY Albany. After almost 20 years at SUNY, he accepted the position of Director of the Division of Education and Development in the Office for Human Research Protections at NIH. He continued his career as the Associate Dean for Research Compliance at Weill Cornell Medical College. In 2005, he founded HRP Associates; and served as President, Partner/CEO, and then retired as Senior Advisor of the consulting company. In his retirement, Dr. Cohen served as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Bioethics at Clarkson University. Throughout his career, Dr. Cohen was widely regarded as an expert in the field of Human Research Protections, and was active in professional organizations such as Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research. Dr. Cohen was an active member of the Jewish community, serving as President of Boards of Congregation Da’at Elohim in New York City and Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady, and recently received the Congregation Gates of Heaven Distinguished Service Award. A theater lover, Dr. Cohen was a member of the Gates of Heaven Temple Thespians; and a volunteer at many Off-Broadway and local theaters. He loved to travel with his family, and play his weekly poker games. Dr. Cohen was a true mensch, and exemplified the Jewish value of chesed (lovingkindess). He was a generous, kind, and gentle husband, father, and grandfather; a steady rock for his extended family and friends; and a pillar in his synagogue community. The family thanks the Community Hospice for their care and support.

There will be a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  T

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