Norman Cohen

Norman Cohen, 93, of Ft. Collins, passed peacefully in his sleep, on June 12, 2023. Norman was born on July 31, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, the fourth and youngest son of Minnie and Philip Cohen. He attended Boston Boys Latin High School and Boston University, earning a Ph.D. in psychology in 1962.

On October 10, 1953, while in graduate school, he married Sheila M. Prives. They moved to Framingham in 1957 and together raised 3 children, Arnold, Diane, and Howard. Norman is survived by Sheila, their children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers.

Norman loved music, playing clarinet and saxophone, from an early age through adulthood. He performed in bands beginning in his mid-teens, as an adult in community symphonies, at family events, and finally in the New Horizons band for seniors in Ft. Collins. Initially, he thought he would be a professional musician, but decided the life and hours of a musician were not conducive to raising children and being involved in their lives.

He then pursued his studies, becoming a clinical psychologist. He provided therapy at the Framingham Mental Health Center in Framingham, Massachusetts and later became director of the Center. He was intricately involved in the development of Project Head Start, which provided pre-school services to underprivileged children. In 1964, Norman opened his own full-time practice, primarily as a child psychologist, but also treating adults for various issues. In 1966, he and two partners founded the Brandon School in Natick, Massachusetts, a day school for emotionally disturbed children. He directed the school through the 1970’s. Brandon School expanded in 1968, adding a residential school in Petersham, Massachusetts which he also directed through 1979. In the 1980’s, sitting on the floor with children in play therapy (and getting up off the floor) was no longer easy. He adjusted, providing therapy for only teens and adults. He was beloved by many people who received his help. He was well known in the community as ‘the’ psychologist to see for help through the trauma and distress of divorce.

Though he worked what seemed non-stop, 6 days a week (though only ½ days on Saturday), he spent much time with his kids and maintained his passion for music, particularly jazz, and travelled with family.

Norman instilled his love of learning in all his children, as well as an ethic of community service. He was devoted to his wife, Sheila, with whom he was nearly inseparable throughout their 69 years of marriage.

Norman practiced psychology until moving to Ft. Collins in 2011. Norman and Sheila were independent, living in a patio home, then senior apartments until late 2021. They shared an assisted living apartment until late May of this year when Norman required more skilled care.

He was loved, and will be missed, by all. In Lieu of flowers, the Cohen Family requests donations be made in Norman’s honor and memory to the charity of your choice. Norman gave to many charities, among those most important to him were the ACLU, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Museum of Fine Arts-Boston, PBS, and the DNC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.allnuttftcollins.com for the Cohen family.