Dr. Cal K. Cohn

Dr. Cal K. Cohn passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 20, 1942, Cal was the son of Jack and Stella Cohn. Both of his parents were educators—Stella and Jack were passionate about literacy education, and together they wrote a book on the techniques of teaching children how to read. In addition, Jack was an accomplished still life and portrait painter. Cal excelled academically from an early age. He attended the Bronx High School of Science before enrolling at Columbia University, where he also hosted a college radio show featuring his favorite jazz inspirations. He earned his medical degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed his training in neurology and psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, where he studied under Aaron Beck, widely regarded as the father of cognitive behavioral therapy. His career in medicine was both distinguished and diverse. He collaborated with Julius Axelrod, the Nobel Prize–winning biochemist whose work illuminated the release and reuptake of catecholamine neurotransmitters, and Cal served as a lieutenant commander at the National Institutes of Health. These formative experiences helped shape a remarkable career in psychiatry. In 1970, Cal moved to Houston, where he joined Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and later established a private practice. There he cared for patients and conducted pharmaceutical research until his retirement in 2007. Beyond his medical accomplishments, Cal nurtured a lifelong curiosity and love for learning. His home was lined with books of every kind, and he devoted years to writing and publishing his own novel, The Seeds of Gruinard. A gifted musician, he played piano and upright bass, often performing jazz in a quartet with fellow physicians. He loved the outdoors—especially the mountains—and filled his home inside and out with plants of every variety. In 1983, Cal was introduced to the love of his life, Helen, by a mutual friend, Rochelle Stein. They married on March 11, 1984, and shared 41 devoted years together. When Cal was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2007, Helen remained faithfully by his side throughout his illness. Cal’s greatest joy was his family. He was overjoyed by the births of his son, Ely, and daughter, Jacqueline, and he never tired of celebrating their accomplishments. Together, the family cherished travel and adventure, with memorable trips to Aspen, Israel, Europe and beyond. Cal’s life was enriched by his extended family, including Martin and Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein, Jordan Fein and Isaac Fein, Greg and Summer Manoff, Joseph and Barbara Cohn, Janice Poplack, Judy Farb, Rebecca Fein Luks and David Luks, Benjamin Luks, Elliot Luks, Dr. Mindy Fein Saber and Joel Saber, Julia, Natan, Theodore, and Celine Saber, Daniel and Rachel Fein, and Henry and Noah Fein. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who supported Cal in his later years, including Rogelia Garcia, Jennifer Avila and her family, John and Christian Garner, and Fabian Peart. We are also deeply grateful for the many friends whose love and support sustained Cal and the family throughout his life. Cal will be remembered for his brilliance, curiosity, and deep love of family, music, and the natural world. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the joy he brought to those around him. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Sophia and Jack Bender Memorial Chapel at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, 7445 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055.

Dr. Cal K. Cohn

November 20, 1942 - September 9, 2025