Bertram J Cohn

Bertram J. “Bert” Cohn was an entrepreneur and philanthropist with passionate interests in the history of science and philosophy, wilderness preservation, and education. Bert passed away, among family in Manhattan on August 13, 2017.

A native of South Orange, NJ, Cohn joined the U.S. Army during World War II and was on a ship headed to the Philippines when the war ended in August 1945. Stationed in Manila, he produced a newspaper for the armed forces, which he published by assembling a racially integrated staff that was groundbreaking for that time. After his discharge, he graduated from Harvard College. Two years later, he received a master’s in business administration from New York University.

Cohn’s business career included management experience in many different industries including steel, electronics, mobile homes, paint, candle manufacturing and computer leasing, culminating with him becoming the Chairman of the Board at Interstate Bakeries.

In 1982, Cohn took his investment acumen and joined the First Manhattan Company where he continued until his retirement in 2013.

Ever since his army service, Cohn dwelled on the question of why war was so prevalent. He believed that understanding the “other” was critical to cultivating peace. In the 1980s, Cohn pursued a lifelong interest in the history and philosophy of science, endowing a chair at Tel Aviv University that evolved into the Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Ideas as well as a collaborative partnership with the Minerva Center for the Humanities. He hoped for collaboration between Israeli and Arab scholars that would result in breaking down the barrier of the “other.” His love of the history and philosophy of science was based on the belief that post-enlightenment thought had the possibility to create a more pluralistic society, one less susceptible to fundamentalism, and could help pave pathways towards peace. Cohn also helped create a Center for interdisciplinary Jewish studies at Harvard.

Cohn’s environmental philanthropy began in the 1990’s with the Wilderness Society. Inspired by grassroots activism, his primary support included the Wilderness Support Center in Durango, Colorado. Cohn also established environmental internships at Harvard University. Cohn was deeply concerned about the future of the planet. He was a systems thinker and an avid reader of science. He balanced these interests with his appreciation for artists and writers who placed nature at the center of their work.

Cohn is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Barbara Biard. They shared a mutual love of travel and explored new places and travelled frequently and broadly. Cohn spent many years enjoying walks and meals with friends and family to discuss the important political and social problems of the day. He is survived by his children Daniel, Diana and Susan and their spouses, Lynn, Craig and David respectively and grandchildren, Benjamin, Annabel, Henry, and Willa. Bert will be cherished for his sense of humor, patience, generosity, humility, and quiet leadership.

Services will be held at the Frank E. Campbell “The Funeral Chapel”, Madison & 81st Street on August 17th at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers please send donations in Bert's honor to The Wilderness Support Center, 1309 East 3rd Avenue #36, Durango, CO 81301.