Milton Cohen

Milton Cohen passed away August 28, 2015, a few weeks past his 93rd birthday.  Milt was born to Julius and Dora Cohen on August 9, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York, the youngest of their three sons.  At age 5 Milt met a new neighbor, Ruth Spivack, who became the love of his life.  They married in 1945 on Milt’s 23rd birthday while he was on leave from military service in World War II.  They remained together for another 46 years until Ruth’s passing.  They had two sons, Joseph and Kenneth.  They lived most of their life in the New York City/Long Island area, later moving to the Washington, D.C. area to join Joe and his family.  Milt then relocated with them to Bountiful, Utah.

As a youth Milton excelled at both sports and academics.  His academic achievements led to accelerated advancement beyond the standard grade levels, enabling him to graduate high school prior to his 15th birthday.  He enjoyed participating in all sports, especially baseball where his proficiency led to a tryout with a major league team – the New York Giants.

Milt first attended college at St. John’s University.  His academic career was interrupted by Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II, a month after which his entire class enlisted in the Army Air Corps.  He served in Northern Africa and the European Theater until his discharge in 1945.  Taking advantage of the GI Bill he completed his undergraduate degree in accounting and his master’s degree at Columbia University.  Upon graduation he entered the business world, later changing his vocation to teaching and education administration; a vocation he loved.  Teaching at the high school level as well as at Nassau Community College as an adjunct professor for 36 years gave him the opportunity to educate, interact, and provide guidance to young men and women – a love that remained with him his entire life.  He loved being around people and would engage in conversations with anyone he might meet.

Milt’s other passions included food, dancing, and music.  Going out to eat was always a favorite activity as it offered an opportunity to combine his love for food and people.  Eng­­aging those he knew or just met in conversation was enjoyable for him, providing guidance with an opportunity to have a positive impact on people was his gift to them.

Milt began his investigation of the LDS Church upon the passing of his beloved Ruth.  The concept of the eternal family and the opportunity to be with his wife for time and eternity was a great comfort in coping with her passing.  He was baptized on his birthday/anniversary, August 9, 2005; faithfully attending church until his health prevented it.

Milton was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents, his brothers Solomon and Abraham, and his great-grandson Garett.  He is survived by his sons and their families; Joseph and Anita and their four children and eight grandchildren and Kenneth and Laurie and their two children.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 1, from 4:30 until 5:45 p.m. at the LDS Chapel, Val Verda First Ward, 2633 S 50 W, Bountiful, Utah.  Funeral services will be held immediately after the viewing at 6:00 p.m., followed by a gathering for family and friends.