John M. Cohen

John Marshall Cohen (1937-2023), a dedicated fixture in the Boston area pediatric community, died May 10th in Newton, Massachusetts.

Dr. Cohen’s mantra, uttered to patients and strangers alike, was “Babies are my people!” His gregarious nature and congenial bedside manner belied a steadfast commitment to pediatric care and to his friends and family.

Growing up in Providence, RI, Dr. Cohen attended Classical High School and then Brown University. Determined to be a pediatrician despite advice to pursue a more lucrative specialty, he graduated from Albany Medical College in New York. Dr. Cohen was a loyal and active alumnus, supporting Brown and Albany Medical College with his heart as well as his wallet.

After earning his Doctor of Medicine and serving two years overseas in the Air Force, Dr. Cohen settled in the Boston area.  As his reputation for care and compassion grew, his practice – pediatrics at Newton-Wellesley – grew with him. He touched generations of families, often caring for former patients’ children and, eventually, their grandchildren. Additionally, he ran Newton-Wellesley Hospitals’ Pediatric Department for many years. Never one to hold back, he was a fierce advocate of high-quality care and behavioral health.

Dr. Cohen’s expertise and familiar manner led him to anchor Channel 5’s noon-day call in segment “Ask the Pediatrician” for many years and, later, “America’s Health Network”. His presence on the airwaves enlivened his personal life – from Boston to Cape Cod, he was regularly greeted with a “Hey Dr. Cohen!” from the familiar and unfamiliar alike.  With his wide ranging impact on children’s medicine, at his truest essence john would earnestly say, “I’m a baby doc”. 

Dr. Cohen played as hard as he worked. On the Cape, he enjoyed bringing family and friends out on his boat, “John’s Excellent Adventure,” to pull lobster traps, fish, and have the occasional adventure when navigation became sketchy. He also loved giving fresh tomatoes from his hyper-productive Cape garden. He travelled extensively to all four points of the compass with his family and friends, documenting the adventures with compelling photography.  John’s joy was sharing his travel passion with his children and grandchildren. 

Dr. Cohen took an active role in organizations and causes he was passionate about. An avid fan of theater, he enthusiastically supported The Huntington Theater Company and its productions, also serving as a board member. He also served on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts and The New England Aquarium.

Dr. Cohen is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bette (Levinger) Cohen, of Boston, MA. Beloved father of Deborah C. Friedman (Mark) and David P. Cohen (Jennifer), all of New York, NY. Cherished Grandfather of Sydney & Taylor Friedman and Gabrielle & Ryan Cohen. Adored brother of Richard (Flora) Cohen.

Graveside service will be private. The family will receive visitors Wednesday, May 17th from 5pm to 8pm at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston.

Donations in Dr. Cohen’s memory may be made the Huntington Theater Company and Planned Parenthood of MA.