Robert Sanford Cohen

Virginia Beach – Robert Sanford Cohen, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and respected attorney, passed away peacefully at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of deep integrity, enduring friendships, and unwavering commitment to both his family and community.

Bob was born in Troy, New York, on September 23, 1928, to Israel John (“Johnny”) Cohen and Elizabeth (“Betty”) Weinstein. From a young age, he demonstrated natural leadership, a keen sense of humor, and a love for spirited competition.

A proud graduate of Troy High School, Bob balanced academic achievement with sports and work—selling shoes and assisting in his father’s store, The Tower Shop. He played on a traveling basketball team and served as president of Alpha Beta Gamma, his high school fraternity.
Bob attended Siena College while helping to care for his younger brother, Davey, after the early death of his mother. Though he initially studied premed at his father’s suggestion, Bob quickly realized that his true calling was law. He was accepted to Brooklyn Law School after three years of undergraduate work, graduating from law school at the top of his class.

While in college, he met the love of his life, Joan Lee Schrager, who invited him to a Sadie Hawkins Dance. Joan was 15 and the co-chair of the dance for her sorority, Delta Psi. After dating for four years, they were married on June 3, 1951 at Temple Beth El in Troy, N. Y.

Bob began his legal career with the U.S Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps during the Korean War—an assignment that would ultimately lead the newlyweds to Norfolk, Va. where they built a beautiful life together.

Over a period of 60 years, Bob built a thriving legal practice and held leadership positions in numerous professional organizations, serving as president of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the Norfolk/Portsmouth Bar Association, and the Tidewater Association of Claimant Attorneys. Bob took great pride in mentoring many up-and-coming lawyers in Hampton Roads. In addition to practicing law, he also served his community as a substitute judge before retiring well into his 80’s.

Bob was an accomplished handball player, still winning tournaments well into his later years. He enjoyed competition not only for the sport but for the friendships and camaraderie it brought into his life. He also loved to swim, whether in a pool or the ocean, and was still swimming laps into his early 90’s.

By far, Bob’s proudest achievement was the life he built with his beloved “Joanie,” with whom he recently celebrated 74 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children—Beth, Bari, and Adam—instilling in them a deep love of family, learning, and community. He adored his six grandchildren, four great- grandchildren and took immense pride in watching the next generations grow, always eager to share a story or offer a guiding word. The love of his family was the foundation of his life.

Bob Cohen will be remembered for his quick wit, principled leadership, and generosity of spirit that touched everyone who knew him. He stayed sharp well into his 90’s and was always deeply curious about the world around him, reading voraciously, following politics, sports, and world events.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Schrager Cohen, his children, Beth Jaffe (Nathan), Bari Kraus (Chris), and Adam Cohen (Janet); his grandchildren: Zachary Lewis (Courtney), Alyson Lewis (Emily), Emilee Maxwell (Jake), Cohen Kraus, Davis Cohen, and Max Cohen and his great grandchildren Carrington and William Lewis and Avery and Cameron Maxwell.

A Memorial Service, led by Rabbi Michael Panitz, was held at HD Oliver Funeral Home. A private burial took place.

Memorial donations to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Temple Israel or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be offered at hdoliver.com.