Samuel Warren Cohen of Greenwich passed away on July 10, 2023. Our dear Sam was a thoughtful, curious, warm, intelligent, energetic person who profoundly loved and was profoundly loved by his family. Our happiest times were in each other’s company. One of the great challenges in Sam’s life was having to deal with serious mental illness for many years. While he accomplished so much and lived bravely, the disease ultimately overcame him, and he ended his life this past Monday.
Samuel is survived by his loving parents, Jonathan and Jennifer Cohen; brothers Benjamin and Henry; and his grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Sam was a special soul who reveled in his favorite pastimes and interests, which resulted in a life of many adventures. In his younger years, his creative side shone through as he would gamely venture forth on “expositions” with his older brothers and act out movies featuring deeds of derring-do. At Whitby School, he was encouraged by his wonderful drama teacher to become involved in school plays. The height of this experience was when Sam was cast as the role of Fagin in “Oliver!” which he performed with much relish and to the great enjoyment of one and all. He loved nature and the outdoors and enjoyed climbing trees, long hikes, and exploring Greenwich and New York City, where he lived for the past two years.
Sam grew into an intelligent and athletic person who was tall and strong, yet agile and graceful. We will never forget the image of him deftly ascending a telephone pole to stand at full height on top of a circle the diameter of a dinner plate. Proud of and inspired by his family’s Jewish and Chinese heritages, Sam attended services at Park Avenue Synagogue while also becoming an enthusiast for Asian culture, philosophy, and Buddhism. He closely followed the careers of historical and current boxers and Martial Arts athletes, with a particular passion for Bruce Lee and Rocky Marciano. Sam admired the discipline, heart, and resolute nerve that fighters must possess. His Rocky Marciano poster and his great-grandfather’s ticket stub to a Rocky Marciano boxing match were among his prized possessions.
Sam attended Parkway Elementary School and Whitby School. He graduated from Greenwich High School in 2019 and attended Columbia College Chicago in Illinois. He most recently completed two very successful semesters at Manhattan Borough Community College, studying African History, Creative Writing, and Psychology.
True to his thoughtful nature, Sam was a tissue and organ donor, which enabled him to give the gift of life to many others. His family is so proud and grateful that the breadth and depth of his generosity will benefit countless people. His loved ones will hold the legacy of Sam within them, and draw strength from his courage and steadfast spirit as they carry forward his memory with love.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that those who would like to honor Sam’s memory donate to Silver Hill Hospital, 208 Valley Rd., New Canaan, CT 06840.
A Jewish funeral service will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Middle Patent Rural Cemetery in Armonk, NY. All who can attend are welcome.