Theodore “Ted” Cohen, Lt. Col. US Army, (Ret.)

Surrounded by family, Theodore “Ted” Cohen died peacefully in his Marin County home on February 18, the day before his 93rd birthday.

A devotee of model railroads, world history, military engagements and a connoisseur of fine friends, good food and uproarious jokes, Cohen was never so happy as when preparing fresh lobster for a group of loved ones.

Born on February 19, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Aaron and Jennie Schoenbach Cohen, Ted often spoke of his happy childhood: a youth interrupted by his draft into the United States Army at age 18.

Thereafter, during World War II he saw service in the Pacific Theatre, including action in the Philippines; returning Stateside after 3 ½ years of service. Ted attended the University of Illinois, Chicago and Northwestern School of Journalism. In 1950, he volunteered to return to active duty. Following an earlier nomination for a field commission, Ted was commissioned a second lieutenant, armor branch; assigned to West Germany on its border with Soviet dominated East Germany. It was during this time that Ted met Harriet Virginia Nix of Belmont, Massachusetts. They were married in November 1953 in Fulda, Germany. As family and friends can relate, many a holiday gathering or delicious meal was made fuller by Ted’s stories of his days in uniform at the height of the Cold War. Also seeing duty in Korea, Vietnam and various locations Stateside, Ted retired from the US Army in 1970 to civilian life in San Rafael, CA.

Ted enjoyed his associations with the San Rafael Kiwanis, the Mission of San Rafael Rotary, the Marin Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America, and Big Sir Branch #68.

Ted is survived by Harriet, his wife of 64 years: daughters, Martha, Nancy and Joyce Cohen; his son, Douglas, daughter-in-law, Liza and grandsons, Max and Mitch.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Monte’s Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home, 330 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent’s School for Boys, 1 St. Vincent Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903.