It is with sadness we have learned of the death of Edward P. Cohen, father of the College of Education's Jennifer L. Cohen. After unsuccessfully fighting COVID-19, Cohen died on Jan. 27.
A dedicated husband and father, Cohen is survived by his wife, younger brother, four children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Cohen was a research scientist specializing in the immunology of cancer and a pioneer in understanding immunotherapy, used today for the treatment of many cancers. He was professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, director of the UIC Medical Science Training Program and dean of the UIC School of Basic Medical Sciences, among other appointments in his long career.
An avid sailor, Cohen raced offshore in Chicago five decades and was probably most proud of completing 45 Chicago-Mackinac races.
Due to the epidemic, no memorial service will be held. Interment was at Key West Cemetery on Feb. 1. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support the Dr. Edward P. Cohen Medical Scientist Training Award at the UIC College of Medicine. Please write “Cohen MSTP Award" on the memo line of your check, and mail to: MSTP Program Administration, UIC College of Medicine MC784, 1853 West Polk Street, Chicago IL 60612.