Newburgh Free Academy Memorial
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S. Harvey Cohen - Class of 1943

Delete this post Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 17/Jun/2018
184.103.247.186

A FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED DAD

November 13, 1925 - February 7, 2018

      Harvey Cohen passed away in the early morning of February 7, 2018 from Congestive Heart Failure at 92 years young, after suffering his initial heart attack at age 39. Like most things in his life, Harvey fought the battle of heart disease with hard work, determination, relentless energy and an unyielding passion for life. Harvey grew up in Newburgh, New York. He enlisted in the Air Force and rose through the ranks as a dedicated military officer. Unbeknownst to his family, Harvey was selected by high-ranking military officials to join the National Reconnaissance Office, a covert military organization. From 1964 to 1984, Harvey devised and implemented security practices that led to the success of Program A's Cold War Space Systems. These safeguards provided the security to protect reconnaissance technology. In 2004, he was inducted into the Pioneer Class and received the special honor of "Pioneer" from the Under Secretary of the Air Force. Harvey was well known for his retirements and celebrating his milestones. He retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Air Force then continued to head the same security efforts as a civil servant. After he retired from civil service, he joined Trident Data System as Vice-President. He retired again in 1993 and then consulted until he fully retired at 75. Harvey was married to the love of his life Shirley for 70 years. They were married in Shirley's hometown Brooklyn, New York. Harvey graduated from Syracuse University and later received his Master's Degree at Florida State University. He was stationed in Texas, England, Florida, Washington, D.C. and finally to California. Harvey and Shirley lived in Seal Beach for 43 years and then moved to Laguna Woods for the final years of his life. Harvey lived his life with gratitude, joy and humor. He was well known for his ability to engage others with warmth and humor. Harvey mentored many people throughout his life making lasting impressions on countless numbers of friends and acquaintances even when his health was failing. Harvey shared his wisdom through his passionate conversations, by writing his "Thoughts and Observations" and his memoirs. Harvey leaves behind a family impacted forever by the way he lived his life and the love he gave to all. He is survived by his wife Shirley; children: Bruce, Ilene and Donna; sons-in-law: Dale and Len; grandchildren: Shelly, Shannon, Jennifer, Bryan, Amanda, Sam and Rachel; and great grandchildren Anthony, Jeremiah, Annabella, Autumn, Kyle and Travis.

Published in Orange County Register on June 17, 2018


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NFA Class Memorial Page

This is an Interactive Memorial Page ........ Please contribute !
Please add information you have on any alumni that have passed away.... When , where, how, obituary, & pictures if possible.
I will add a class picture and any other picture you or I may have.
If any errors are made email me and I will correct.
If you still don't feel confident.. Email the info and I will post for you. w.norvell@att.net
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