Perry Cohen

First post: May 6, 2021 Latest post: May 27, 2021
Perry David Cohen of Washington DC passed away Sunday May 9, 2021, at 74 years old.  He was born May 27th, 1946, son of Rae Alice and Bernard Cohen.  He is survived by his wife Rosalie, daughter Shayna, son Jonah, his brother Alan and sister Dayl.

Perry spent his career as a healthcare management consultant. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned his PHD in Organizational Behavior from MIT in 1980.  When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1996, he changed his focus to Parkinson's research and patient advocacy. He often said with both pride and sadness his diagnosis was the best worst thing to happen in his life.

He led by example in what it means to live with passion and purpose.   He was able to combine his background in healthcare with his personal experience as a patient to become an international leader in the field. His Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis at age 50 lead him to fight passionately and courageously on behalf of patients rights and to change the clinical trial system.

So many people were inspired by his strength and determination. Despite his ailments he never complained. Through 25 years of suffering and decline. He channelled his frustration into action and work for humanity.

He valued family above all else, and was proud to be part of such a strong and close knit network of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, second cousins, and even more. Every year he looked forward to the epic Cohen family passover Seders with up to 100 family members in attendance. Never the center of attention, he was observant and curious, and always full of life, hope and endless patience.

Thank you for all your words. His memory lives on in the lives he touched.

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