Lawrence "Larry" D. Cohen

Lawrence "Larry" D. Cohen age 83, of St. Paul, passed away September 11, 2016 surrounded by his wife and children. A life-long resident of St Paul, Larry was a loving husband, father and grandfather, successful private attorney, and tireless community leader for more than six decades. Larry was tagged the “triple threat” for having achieved the highest office in all three branches of city/county government. As Vice-Chair and Chair of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners (1970-1972) he created a county parks and open space program and championed gender pay equity. He gained a national reputation as Mayor of St. Paul (1972-1976) for his achievements in the areas of criminal justice, human resources and the environment. His leadership saved the Federal Courthouse, now known as the Landmark Center, and led to the creation of affirmative action programs for women, people of color and those with disabilities. As Chief Judge of Ramsey County District Court, Larry helped set up youth community service diversion programs, and established the Circle of Peace & Restorative Justice processes to provide defendants with positive ways to make restitution within their communities. Larry provided leadership in numerous other local governmental bodies, including his 11-year tenure on the Metropolitan Airports Commission. An early advocate for environmental issues, he was co-founder of Minnesota Environmental Control Citizens Association (MECCA) in 1968. Larry was honored with numerous community service awards, including Trial Court Judge of the Year (1995); MN District Judges Assn. Community Service Award (1997); Youth Mentoring Award (1998); Peace Award by Dept of Corrections for Hmong Circles of Peace; and Douglas K. Amdahl Public Service Career Achievement Award. Larry was a beloved public servant whose irreverent sense of humor, generous and gregarious spirit, and dedication to the betterment of his community will be sorely missed by family, his many friends, the citizens of St. Paul and all of Ramsey County. Preceded in death by sister, June Margoles. Survived by beloved wife of 31 years, Kathi Donnelly-Cohen; children, Sam (Kim Carpenter), Chuck, Amy (Ming Tai), Scott and David; stepson, Ryan Hawn (Lisa) and stepdaughter, Janel Golden; grandchildren, Crystal and Samantha Cohen, Jameson and Caleb Hawn, Jillian Cole and Eli Golden; brother-in-law, James P. Donnelly (Kay); nephew, Alan Margoles (Cheri Speeter Margoles), and other family and friends. A special thank you to HealthEast Hospice. Funeral service TUESDAY 2 PM at TEMPLE of AARON SYNAGOGUE, 616 Mississippi River Blvd S, St Paul. Memorials preferred to the Larry Cohen Leadership Development Fund (c/o St. Paul JCC, 1375 St Paul Av, St Paul 55116); or Judge Larry Cohen Recognition Project (c/o North East Neighborhoods Development Corp., 1321 White Bear Av, St. Paul 55106). SHIVA Tuesday and Wednesday 7 PM, Temple of Aaron.