Robert I Kohn Jr.

Adored husband, grandfather, and friend, he died doing what he loved, at 76 years old.

A Clevelander from birth, he graduated from Shaker Heights High School, where he had his first professional experience managing a football team.

Rik graduated from the University of Michigan, where he continued his affiliation with football. He enjoyed sharing memories over the years about his foundational experience as manager of the championship team that won the Rose Bowl. “Go Blue” were watchwords!

After working as a math teacher during the Vietnam war, Rik segued into Clinical Social Work, obtaining a master’s degree from the Mandel School at CWRU.

He then worked for ten years as a social worker at JFSA, and as a clinician in a private practice. While exiting a community meeting, he received the proverbial offer he couldn’t refuse: an invitation from his friend, David Nagusky, to work with him at his family business, The Federal Metal Company. Here he enjoyed a 35-year career, during which the Naguskys became family.

Outside of work, Rik was a regular charitable and community contributor, serving a term as local chapter President of the AJC in the mid-eighties, as well as on the national board. His other favorite organization was National Public Radio. He was on the board at a critical time for NPR, when they merged with National Public Television.

He retired about 7 years ago, living half-time in Bonita Springs, Florida, where he pursued a passion for golf, travel, friends, and family life, serving as board President of the Northern Ohio Golf Association (NOGA).

Rik is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Gray (also the love of her life), whom he married in 1986, his beloved stepson, Gray Rothkopf of Chicago, and his much-loved grandchildren, Raven, Star, and Shade Rothkopf, and brother, Thomas Kohn (Amy), of Florida and the late Mary Kohn.

Services will be held Friday, February 28th at 2:30 pm at the BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL 1985 South Taylor Rd Cleveland Heights Ohio 44118

Family will receive friends following the services at the Mayfield Country Club 1545 Sheridan Rd. S. Euclid, Ohio UNTIL 6PM

Saturday the family will receive at the residence of L Babin 28039 Red Raven, Pepper Pike, Ohio 1PM-3:30 PM.

Friends who wish may contribute to the American Jewish Committee, The Greater Cleveland Food Bank

Friends who are unable to attend the service, may view it on Friday, February 28 at 2:30 PM by going to BKBMC.COM, scroll down to obituaries, select the obituary of Rik Kohn, scroll down top join live stream, click on join live stream.

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