Donald Allen Cohen's Obituary
Donald Allen Cohen, known to family and friends as Allen and lovingly called “Sabba” by his grandchildren, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, at the age of 92. His long life was marked by intellectual curiosity, creativity, humor, and a deep devotion to the family he cherished.
Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1933 to Norman and Faye Cohen, Allen was the middle child between his brothers Marvin Sanford and Joseph Richard. From an early age he showed both a talent for science and a lifelong appetite for knowledge — qualities that shaped every chapter of his life.
Allen earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Case Western Reserve University in 1958, beginning a distinguished career that blended scientific rigor with imaginative problem-solving. He served proudly in the United States Air Force and later spent decades as a scientist and defense contractor specializing in advanced computer modeling and analytical systems related to national security.
In 1953, Allen married Phyllis Schwager, the love of his life. Their 72-year marriage was grounded in mutual respect, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their family. In 1968, they made a defining decision: moving with their four young children to Israel, where Allen worked for Israel Aircraft Industries and other defense-related organizations. This period became one of the most meaningful of their lives, connecting their family’s story to heritage, identity, and community.
After returning to the United States, Allen continued his technical work until retirement — and then continued working anyway. In later years, he collaborated with his son Mark and son-in-law Ken on sophisticated financial modeling software, contributing insight and energy until the very end.
Behind the scientist was also an artist and storyteller. Allen painted in oils and acrylics, producing expressive and imaginative works. He was a poet from early in life, entertaining his children with humorous, rhythmic tales about a cowboy named Pa Poke, a beloved family creation. His later series, “Poelitics,” was not a new emergence of poetic impulse but an extension of his familiar voice — commentary on politics and culture, sharp, humorous, and unmistakably Allen.
He was a complex and vibrant presence — brilliant, curious, intense, sometimes overwhelming, often funny, and always fully himself. He wanted to understand the world and to matter within it. These impulses, while challenging at times, came from deep passion and a longing for connection. In his later years, a softer and more reflective side emerged, a gift his family treasures.
Allen is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis; his children Nicki (Ken), Mark (Leigh), and Lee (Cindy); his brother Rich (Sue); his grandchildren Naomi (Amanda), Ilana, Dana (Joe), Binyomin (Aviva), Michael (Maya), Ari (Ariella), Sarit (Mitch), Rachel (Cayce), and Holly (Tim); and 19 great-grandchildren (with more on the way). He was preceded in death by his son Dale, his parents Norman and Faye, and his brother Marvin.
Those who knew Allen will remember his sharp mind, his humor, his stories, his art, his poetry, and the spark that stayed with him throughout all ninety-two years of his life. His influence — as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, physicist, artist, thinker, and storyteller — will endure through the generations he helped shape.
A private family service was held on November 30, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University of Arizona Hillel, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, or the Healthier, Greener, Kinder Foundation in his memory.
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