ALBANY – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Cohen, who departed this world on Wednesday, March 21, 2023, at the age of 93, at St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born on May 22, 1929, in Newark, N.J., Bill grew up in Albany, where he attended Albany High School. He worked for New York State for over 40 years, first for the Department of Motor Vehicles and then he retired from the Higher Education Services Corporation.
He was predeceased by his father, Benjamin; mother, Pauline; and sister, Sylvia Geddes. Bill was a devoted husband to his wife, Patricia, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage until her passing in 2019. Together, they raised one child, Keith (Catherine), who went on to have a family of his own, Andrew, Declan and Sean. He was a loving father and grandfather to his son and grandchildren. Bill will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community. His legacy will live on through the memories he created and the love he shared with those around him.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany on Monday, March 27, at 12 p.m., followed by interment in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Sunday, March 26, from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rest in peace, Bill. You will always be remembered and cherished in our hearts. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
This is a recording of Bill’s Celebration of Life Service:
This is a video tribute to Bill:
Chrissy
Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam , Dayan HaEmet
God Bless you Uncle Bill
Sympathies and prayers to all who loved
William NMI Cohen
Kevin Kalled
Bill and Patty Jo Cohen were great neighbors to us where we grew up on Kent St. in Albany. When we were kids, the Cohens were an integral part of the loving and warm fabric of the spirit of our neighborhood. One summer, I remember Bill allowed the kids in the neighborhood to have a carnival in his backyard. His son Keith and all the kids pitched in. The energy that it created was contagious among the adults (The Cohens, the Kalleds, the Wileys, the Rileys). I know the kids had fun because I was there. But I remember Bill and the other parents laughing. After it was over, they counted the money that had been made and I remember the satisfied look on Bills face. They had pulled it off. Thank you Bill Cohen for that warm memory. You are missed and fondly remembered.
Nancy
So sorry for your loss, hope the memories ease your time of sorrow.