Philip Cohen

Philip Cohen of East Schodack passed away at the age of 100 on April 6, 2022, at his home of 77 years.  Philip was with his family, under the care of Hospice and an exceptional team of caretakers.  The last of his generation, Philip was predeceased by his devoted wife Eileen Dreisenstock Cohen, his siblings Ruby Cowan, Bessie Collins, Sarah Beskin, Al (Moishe) Cohen and their spouses.  He was a first-generation American son of Frank and Fanny Cohen.  Born in NYC, his family relocated to Troy, NY in the late 1930’s, where he met his wife Eileen in 1943 at her grandfather’s farm. From that point on they were together for 72 years until her passing six years ago.

Philip was a one-of-a-kind self-made man, growing up in the most difficult days of the depression.  He served in the Civilian Conservation Corp and in the Army Air Corp as a WWII munitions specialist.   During his lifetime he embraced every bit of technology created in the last century.  Until recently, he was on his computer reading the news, shopping and learning from the limitless content of YouTube.  He loved the movies of the 20’s and 30’s and could answer any question about them with accuracy.  Philip was hired as the first toll collector on the NYS Thruway, scoring the highest score on the first civil service exam and quickly becoming a Section Supervisor.  He was an expert in car repair, every sort of mechanical and electrical system, and continued to travel the world on YouTube. Philip was a strong, fit, beautiful man – and a man of few words.  His “dirty look” will live in memory for generations, as will the Cohen Family picnics in “the country”, where he umpired softball games and gave hayrides through the woods and hills of his home.

Philip is survived by three children, five grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  They are Robert Cohen (Rose), Locust Grove, Va; Marilyn Clopman (Joseph dec’d), Port St Lucie, Fl; and Susan Kugler (Dennis), East Schodack.  Grandchildren Andrew (Astrid), Mark (Johanna) and Nathan Clopman; and Kathryn Schmieding (Shawn) and William Kugler (Katie).  Great grandchildren Henry, Oscar and Hugo Clopman; Paul and Rose Clopman; River and Archer Schmieding; and Theo and Alana Kugler.  Philip is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, as well as good neighbors that are like family.

Philip’s legacy to his family was his intellect, good judgement, strong work ethic, sense of humor and quest for lifelong learning. He was proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments but was most amazed that his great grandchildren are the smartest generation ever. 

A graveside service will be held at the Independent Benevolent Cemetery on Fuller Road in Albany on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 11:30am  Albany,   In memory of their grandfather, Mr. Cohen's grandson's  Andrew and Nathan Clopman  will be officiating at the service 

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