Robert Cohn Obituary

Obituary of Robert "Bob" Cohn

Robert "Bob" Irwin Cohn, 87, passed away on February 22, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.

Bob was born May 24, 1938, at Saint Joseph hospital in Denver, to parents Allene (née Marcus) and Sam Cohn, both of blessed memory. When Bob was a baby, and Sam was serving in the armed forces during WWII, Allene and Bob traveled by train to Borger, Texas, where much of Sam's family lived. The family story of the train ride from Borger back to Denver, with baby Bob ending up underneath the seat on the train, is legendary. Bob spent much of his childhood falling asleep listening to WWII radio broadcasts, awaiting news of his father's ship's safe return from Japan.

Bob graduated from the University of Colorado in 1960. That same year, Bob met Diane Singer at the wedding of Bob's brother, Ira. At the time, Bob was in the process of getting two master's degrees. Bob and Diane married in 1962. He taught and served as an administrator in the Denver Public Schools (including North HS, South HS, Thomas Jefferson HS, and Baker Junior High). Bob and Diane's daughter, Lisa, was born in 1966, and their son, Richard "Rich", was born in 1968. When Lisa and Rich were young, Bob continued working for DPS, and at the same time went to night school at the University of Denver to get his law degree. Bob earned his JD in 1971. In 1977, Bob left DPS and began practicing labor law and school administrative law. After 25 years, Bob retired from private practice. He then served as general counsel for Academy District 20 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was affectionately known as "Father Bob" for his good judgment and wise counsel. He retired at the age of 81.

Bob's parents became Denver Broncos season ticket holders in 1965 (priority number 1470). He loved the Denver Broncos and all things Denver sports. A perfect weekend included Buffs on Saturday (sko Buffs!) and Broncos on Sunday (GO BRONCOS!). A good steak and a Jack Daniels with friends or family added to the celebration. A Denver Crush baseball game or Denver Jewish Day School Tigers basketball game also captured his interest if his grandson, Avi, was playing. He and Diane also loved to travel, including trips to visit their granddaughter, Sydney, first in Dallas, Texas, and then West Hills, California. Bob was a voracious reader – particularly history, politics, and spy thrillers. He was a student of US history and always enjoyed a good conversation (or debate) about US history and democracy.

Bob was a giant of a man – in stature (at 5' 19"), in kindness, in compassion, in intellect, in generosity of spirit, and in his hearty, infectious, and genuine laugh. His love of his family, and especially his wife, was paramount. During his last days, when Diane walked into his room, those sitting nearby heard Bob exclaim, "my darling!"

Survivors include Bob's beloved wife, Diane, children Lisa (Jeff) Greenspun and Rich (Lisa) Cohn, grandchildren Sydney Greenspun and Avi Cohn, brother Ira (Claudia) Cohn, sister Randi (Sheldon) Sperling, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the wonderful teams at Colorado Center of Medical Excellence, Davita Lowry, Modena Cherry Creek, Reunion Rehabilitation Denver, and Denver Hospice for their compassionate care.

Service at Temple Emanuel, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 11:00 am; Interment to follow at Emanuel Cemetery. A livestream of the service will be provided on the Feldman Mortuary YouTube Channel.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Bob's honor to Denver Jewish Day School, Denver Hospice, or Temple Emanuel.