Harvey Martin Cohen

Dr. Harvey Martin Cohen, formerly of Needham, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 88 years of age. Son of the late Bella (Lederman) Noller and Archie Cohen. Loving husband of Arlene Katzman of Needham of 21 years and the late Dorothy Keller Cohen. Beloved father of Cheryl Snow and her husband Jeffrey Snow, Susan Cohen Kenny, and Michael Cohen. Cherished Papa to his many grandchildren. Brother of Marlene Barnet, Ronnie Noller, Robbie Noller, Mark Cohen, and David Cohen. Adored uncle, cousin, friend. Respected teacher and colleague of many across the miles and years.

Harvey was born in Boston in 1936. He loved learning and excelled in school, nicknamed by his teachers as “the eternal questioner.” That curiosity led him to study chemistry at Harvard University and later pursue a Ph.D. at MIT. He was always careful, measured, and exact in the investigations he pursued. He started his own consulting business, Cambridge Technical Associates, and taught generations of attorneys how to question and understand the significance of scientific evidence. Harvey equally enjoyed judging the Mass State Science Fair and teaching chemistry to nursing students at Northeastern University. He always was there to help his children and their kids understand science and math concepts. He enjoyed playing chess with his grandkids and tennis with Arlene. Harvey most loved being with his family, especially sharing holiday meals and celebrations, dining out, and traveling with them to places far and near. Harvey was a charming man who easily made friends wherever he went. He treated everyone with respect and kindness.

Harvey loved eating and, as a child of family bakers, he would probably want you to enjoy a rugalach or Danish or fresh piece of bubkah in his honor. Such a request would be completely in line with his dry sense of humor as long as the treats were not dry and served with a very, very hot cup of coffee. Harvey was a true mensch in every sense of the word.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 9 AM at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon. Shiva will be observed at Bridges by Epoch, 140 University Avenue, Westwood, MA on August 5, 2025, to follow burial service, and on Wednesday–Thursday at the home of Sarah and Jamie Fleckner.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Harvey’s name, may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation at www.wish.org or to the Harvard Hillel at www.hillel.harvard.edu