Howard Cohen

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Howard Cohen, a man whose presence filled classrooms, hallways, sidelines, dinner tables, and-most of all-the lives of the people he loved passed away. Howard was born on June 3, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York, and although his journey took him many places, the constant thread through every chapter was his devotion to people. He built a life defined by service, leadership, and heart.

Howard grew up in Willingboro, New Jersey, graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 1968 before earning both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education from Glassboro State College in1975. Even then, it was clear he was meant to teach-not just subjects, but values. Not just lessons, but confidence. Not just students, but entire communities.

In 1976, he began what would become a 40- year career in education. He started as a special education teacher at Levitt Junior High School, later moving to Willingboro High School, where he also coached girls' soccer, girls' basketball, and softball. Coaching wasn't just a job for him-it was another way to mentor, to encourage, to show young people what they were capable of. Summers found him at the JCC Boys Camp in Medford, where he served as Director, shaping yet another generation with his steady presence and easy humor.

After more than two decades in the classroom, Howard stepped into administration, becoming Assistant Principal at Palmyra High School. He later served in roles at both West Deptford High School and Palmyra High School before achieving a dream he had long worked toward: becoming Principal of West Deptford High School, a position he held from 1998 to 2008. His leadership was marked by fairness, compassion, and a deep belief in the potential of every student and staff member.

Even after retiring from public education, Howard couldn't stay away from the work he loved. He returned as an Administrator at Archway Programs - Upper School, a place he had worked early in his career, and later continued his service at Garfield Park Academy as Administrative Director. He officially retired in 2016, closing a remarkable career spent teaching, guiding, and lifting others.

But as much as Howard loved education, nothing compared to how he loved his family. He loved a lot of things-family, friends, sports-and he was loved by so many people. What he cherished most was watching his grandchildren play sports and achieve their goals. Those moments lit him up. He enjoyed time with family and friends, and he never passed up the chance to enjoy a great restaurant or a good meal shared with the people he cared about.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Doreen (Oshinsky) and Alvin Cohen. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Suzanne (Duvinski); his children Derek (Bernadette), Megan (John Gargiulo), Brandon (Brittany Asay), and Jeremy (Amanda); his grandchildren Alyssa, John, and Avery Gargiulo, Luke, Ryan, Ella, Alexa, Zoe, and Jagger, and Maddox, Mason, and Maverick Asay; his sisters Suzan (Bethel) and Cindy (Cliff Small); his nephew Robert (Bethel) and niece Amanda (Drew Kunkle); and many great friends.

Howard lived a life of purpose, generosity, and unwavering dedication. His legacy lives on in the students he taught, the colleagues he mentored, the athletes he coached, and the family he adored. His impact is woven into countless stories, achievements, and memories-proof that a life spent lifting others is a life that never truly ends.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Leroy P. Wooster Funeral Home, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ for his visitation. Words of remembrance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Howard's memory to the American Diabetes Association by clicking here.