Recruiter of high-tech talent, accomplished drummer
Published November 19, 2020
MEDFORD — It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our dear brother, Paul M. Cohan, 54, suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020.
Paul was born in North Reading, the son of the late William E. and Frances T. (Tobin) Cohan.
He attended North Reading public schools until the eighth grade, after which he attended Austin Preparatory School, graduating in 1983. Shortly after graduating from UMass-Lowell with a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1987, Paul moved to San Francisco and spent many years continuing to build his career and started his own high tech/engineering recruiting firm, working most of his adult life as a quality recruiter of high-tech talent.
Paul touched so many lives on both the East and West Coasts. He was so full of life and would light up a room when he entered it. He was kind, warm and popular, and had a heart of gold, and always kept you laughing. Paul never had an unkind word to say and had such an incredibly quick wit. Paul enjoyed being with his family and so many close friends, and you could always count on him to be the life of the party. He was a true brother and friend; honest, caring and forthright. Life as we know it will forever change with this terrible loss of Paul.
Paul was multitalented. He was an avid, excellent skier and loved the outdoors. He loved traveling with his friends, listening to music, and animals. Paul also had a natural and beautiful voice for singing, and after learning to play the drums from the drummer of The Tubes rock band, he proudly played the drums in Bootie Cooler, a band he formed with close friends out West. He frequently played in the local venues in San Francisco and was followed by many.
Paul is survived by his sisters, Tracey F. Lacroix and Mary K. Dascoli, both of Andover, and his brothers, Mark R. Cohan of Lowell, Michael J. Cohan and his wife Patricia (Demetri) Cohan of New Jersey, Christopher T. Cohan of Andover, John F. Cohan and his wife JoAnne M. (Krocker) Cohan of Tewksbury, and several nieces and nephews. Paul was the beloved godfather of Cassidy M. Cohan of Tewksbury. He was predeceased by his brother, William E. Cohan Jr.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, there will be private visitation on Thursday, Nov. 19, at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. His funeral Mass will be open to all friends and family and will be held at St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St., Andover, on Friday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701
