Matthew Jarvis Cohen

Matthew Jarvis Cohen passed on June 23, 2025 at his apartment in West Chester with his daughter Jocelyn Hooven at his side. He was predeceased in 2021 by his adored wife of 66 years, Barbara. In addition to Jocelyn (John), he leaves behind son Saul, granddaughters Lindsay and Elena and great granddaughter Harlee. Matt was born in Philadelphia on October 8, 1933 to Rose (Jarvis) and Joshua Cohen, living first in South Philadelphia (5th & Wharton) before moving as a teenager to 18th & Spruce in Center City. He graduated from Central High School in 1950, Class #194, then attended Penn for his undergraduate studies and Dental School, Class of 1957.

Married in 1955, he and Barbara moved to Broomall, PA in 1959 and resided there for 63 years. He left dentistry (as soon as he could!) in 1998 and began teaching science classes at Delaware County Community College shortly thereafter. He continued teaching into his mid-80’s. A natural musician, he played the piano until a month or so before he passed—able to hear a song and start playing it by ear. He took up the timpani drum later in life and played in the Delaware County Symphony for many years. He practiced martial arts—Japanese Jui Jitsu—his entire adult life, attaining a black belt. He was a voracious reader, necessitating the installation of ever more bookshelves throughout the house. Summers were spent in the small coastal New Jersey town of Ocean Gate, where Barbara had spent her summers growing up. He learned to sail and spent many days on the waters of Barnegat Bay.

He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends, including in-laws, nieces and nephews and his brother/best friend, Art. He was always ready with a joke or a quip (often, but not always, good). Above all he was just a really good guy—generous and kind and fun. He loved dogs.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Delaware County Community College or Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester PA