Robert E. "Bob" Cohen

Robert E. Cohen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert E. Cohen, who died peacefully on July 9, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 79.

Born in Oil City, Pennsylvania, Bob's extraordinary curiosity and love of learning led him on an academic journey that took him from Cornell University to the California Institute of Technology, the University of Oxford, and ultimately to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Boston became his home, where he spent more than five decades building an exceptional career, raising a family, and becoming part of the fabric of the city he loved.

Bob joined the MIT faculty in 1973 and spent more than forty years as a professor of chemical engineering, earning international recognition as a pioneering researcher, teacher, entrepreneur, and mentor. His work advanced the fields of polymer science and chemical engineering, and he was honored with election to both the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. While those achievements meant a great deal to him, nothing brought him more satisfaction than teaching, mentoring students, and watching others succeed.

As remarkable as Bob's professional accomplishments were, they were never what defined him.

Above all else, Bob was devoted to his family. He shared nearly 48 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Jane, of Jamaica Plain. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, unwavering support, and endless pride in their children and grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to brag about his family, especially Jane, whose accomplishments and partnership brought him immeasurable joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; his son, Eliot Cohen, formerly of Jamaica Plain, now of South Boston, Eliot's wife, Jacqueline Aldred Cohen, and their children, Ada, Brennan, and Callan; his daughter, Genevieve Cohen, formerly of Jamaica Plain, now of Durham, North Carolina, and her daughter, Emma; and his sister, Nancy Stein (Cohen), and her husband, Herb. His sisters-in law Lee Woodman, Betsy Woodman, and his brother-in-law Wally Coleman. Bob was also a proud uncle of two wonderful nephews and a wonderful niece.

To his grandchildren, he was simply "Bapa" or "Pop Pop," roles that became among the greatest joys of his life. He loved coaching youth soccer, standing on the sidelines through countless track meets and sporting events, and spending hours playing one-on-one basketball in the driveway. There was nowhere he would rather be than with his family.

Bob possessed a rare combination of brilliance and humility. Despite earning worldwide respect as a scientist and educator, he was remarkably down to earth. He treated everyone with kindness, patience, and genuine interest, whether they were students, Nobel laureates, neighbors, waitstaff, or lifelong friends. He had an extraordinary ability to make people feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued.

He could move effortlessly between classrooms, laboratories, boardrooms, football stadiums, neighborhood bars, and family gatherings, always making those around him smile. Whether enjoying dinner at one of his favorite Jamaica Plain institutions like Doyle's or the Galway House, traveling the world, fixing something around the house he loved, playing games with family, or cheering from the stands, Bob found joy in people. Wherever he was, the room seemed a little brighter because he was in it.

Although Parkinson's disease gradually took much from him physically, it never diminished his warmth, generosity, curiosity, or love for others. His legacy lives not only through the countless students, colleagues, and researchers he influenced, but through the family he adored and the many friendships he cultivated over a lifetime.

A memorial celebration of Bob's life will take place at the MIT Chapel, 48 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, 02139 on Saturday October 17 at 3 PM. Following the memorial service, a reception will be held in the MIT Student Center from 4-6 PM, 84 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge 02139.

Bob will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered by all whose lives were brighter because they had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob's memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation