Harvey “Cass” Cohn, 87, of Raleigh, NC died on Friday, February 3, 2023. He was born July 26, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, to Abraham and Dorothy (Goldenberg) Cohn who predeceased him. He grew up in the Sheepshead Bay area of Brooklyn and graduated from James Madison High School. As a young man, he traveled up and down the northeast coast and as far south as Puerto Rico and Cuba, in his job as an auditor. When he wasn’t traveling, he could be found taking in a play on Broadway, dancing in a Latin nightclub, or browsing the stacks at the Strand Bookstore.
In 1976 he moved to Raleigh, NC, and soon learned to love it. Here, Cass spent many years as a sales rep and recruiter. In 1991, his professional skills and his love for, and knowledge of, music collided when he was offered the opportunity to procure local talent at the newly opened Walnut Creek Amphitheater. When the Carolina Hurricanes came to Raleigh, they looked to Cass to provide local talent at their new arena. He also booked local and internationally known musicians for numerous nightclubs throughout the Triangle until he retired.
Cass was an avid sports fan, be it collegiate or professional. A life-long Brooklyn Dodgers fan, he never forgave Walter O’Malley for moving the team to Los Angeles. He rekindled his love for baseball when he adopted The Mets as his team. Attending football and basketball games with his father-in-law, Harry Stewart, he became a die-hard NC State fan. Yet he never hesitated to support Duke, Miami, and UNC when family was involved (unless they were playing the Wolfpack). Cass coached the Capital Area Soccer League team Manchester I for five seasons. In two short years he transformed a previously un-winning team to one that celebrated three undefeated seasons– a great accomplishment in itself— but what was most important to Cass was building self-esteem, instilling pride and fostering good sportsmanship in his players. He was named Best in the Triangle youth sports coach by Spectator Magazine in 1989.
His ultimate and greatest pleasure was sharing his love for books, music, theater, film, sports, and great food with his children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. Cass was not afraid to speak his mind and a healthy debate always ensued. Whether on the sidelines, in the kitchen, or in the audience, his larger-than-life presence was always felt and will be sorely missed.
Cass is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Washington Cohn, and four daughters, Alyson Meta Cohn (Larry Landsman), Leslie Caryn Cohn, Tracy Cohn Miketa, and Eliza Cohn Goodnow (Andrew). Also surviving are his grandchildren, Michael Cohn (Anna), Andrew Cohn (Kayla), Jared Landsman (Rebecca Dugal), Justin Landsman, and Elliot Miketa; brother, Marvin Cohn (Ann); sister-in-law, Judi Pedersen (Gunnar); half-brother, Bertram Ellentuck; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
The family will be planning a memorial celebration of Cass' life in July.
Services by Brown-Wynne, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh.
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