Lawrence “Larry” Cohen, a veteran local educator and motivational speaker known by some Columbia residents as the “unofficial mayor of Howard County,” passed away on Saturday, Dec. 27.
The longtime Columbia resident was 76.
“Larry lived a life defined by service, connection and an uncommon generosity of spirit,” his family posted on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros.
A native of the Queens, New York, community of Ozone Park, Cohen earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Brooklyn College. He also earned a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Loyola College in Baltimore.
Throughout his career, Cohen taught in the New York, Baltimore and Howard County public school systems. In the latter system, he also served as a principal and assistant principal, as well as an elected member of the Howard County Board of Education from 2006 to 2010.
“After earning two master’s degrees, he dedicated his career to education as a teacher, administrator and elected Board of Education official,” posted his family. “He believed deeply in systems that care for every child, educator, staff member and family, and he worked tirelessly to ensure no one was overlooked.”
Cohen retired from Howard County system in 2006 after nearly three decades of teaching and administration there.
Besides frequently speaking and presenting at educational workshops and forums, Cohen was the co-host, co-writer and co-producer of “Consumer’s Corner,” a longtime public service community program on Fox45. He also was the co-host of the call-in-radio show “Education 2000.”
In addition, Cohen served on the Howard County Holocaust Remembrance Committee.
In 2009, Cohen’s book “I’m Still Trying to Figure It All Out Myself,” a collection of lectures and observations, was published by Ravenwater Press. Cohen donated $1 from every book sold to a nonprofit dedicated to helping teens with anxiety and depression.
“I like to think of the book as a sort of priority tune-up,” he said at the time of its publication. “Yes, of course academics are very important. Absolutely our students need to be academically proficient. In addition, however, we also need to be teaching young people how to achieve a happy, healthy, safe and well-balanced life by instilling basic human values, interpersonal skills and coping mechanisms.”
Cohen is survived by his wife, Rita Cohen (nee Unterberger); his children, Rachel (Matt) Brumberger, Susannah “Susie” Cohen (Jason Maeser); his granddaughter, Alexandra “Alex” Brumberger; his siblings, Beverly (Peter) Hertz, Michael (Robin) Cohen; and his nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jeanette and Joseph Cohen.
“Beyond his family, Larry was widely known for his deep friendships, his mentorship, and his consistent and enduring presence in the community,” his family wrote. “Wherever he went, he brought people together, making room for humor, perspective, and belonging. Known for his wit, warmth, and integrity, Larry maintained lifelong friendships and stayed closely connected to those he loved. He was always ready with a laugh, a conversation, or help when it mattered most. Larry’s presence made people feel seen, safe, and supported — a true mensch — and that legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.”
Services in Larry Cohen’s honor were held at The Meeting House, 5885 Robert Oliver Place in Columbia, on Monday, Dec. 29, at 12:30 p.m. Interment was private.
Donations in Cohen’s memory can be made to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 442, Needham, Massachusetts 02494; or the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, D.C. 20024.
The family will be in mourning at The Meeting House on Monday and Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 1-3 p.m.
“Mr. Cohen was one of the most profound educators we had within Howard County and especially at Atholton [High School],” posted former student Oru W. “As a graduate of the class of 2014, I still remember Mr. Cohen’s monthly remarks on the school announcements, reminding us that amidst the craziness of our lives, it is important to SEE people. He saw all of us, even if he remembered us in the moment or not.”
On social media, Raymona Jackson Reid, a former colleague of Cohen’s, called him a “true legend” who “dedicated his life to inspiring students and strengthening communities across our county.”
“Mr. Cohen consistently reminded us of the values that matter most. His message was simple, yet impactful: be smart, be kind, and be safe — always,” she wrote. “His words touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to live on through the students he inspired and the communities he uplifted.”
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