Peter Z. Cohen, M.D.
November 28, 2024
Dr. Peter Z. Cohen passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 86. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jane Kaufman Cohen. He was the adored father of Lee Cohen and Jodi and Alan Klein, and the cherished Poppy of grandchildren Andrew Klein and Rebecca and Michael Segal, and of great grandchildren Madeline, Benjamin, and Roman Segal.
Dr. Cohen retired at the age of 83 as a revered member of the Pittsburgh orthopaedic community. A talented, dedicated surgeon and gifted teacher, he was a Professor at Pitt for over 50 years, where he was given the coveted Golden Apple Award by the orthopaedic residents. Thanks to his winning spirit as a leader and his camaraderie with his colleagues, he was appointed to serve as Pitt Orthopaedic Alumni Chairman for more than two decades.
Dr. Cohen graduated from Pitt undergrad in '59 and Pitt Medical School in '63 before completing his orthopaedic residency under Dr. Albert Ferguson at Pitt in '68. After his stint in the military as a Major and the Chief of Orthopaedics at DeWitt Army Hospital at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, Dr. Cohen returned to Pittsburgh. He was appointed Chief of Orthopaedics at Montefiore Hospital where he served for 25 years and was elected to two terms as Medical Staff President.
Renowned for his work in Geriatric Orthopaedics, Dr. Cohen's many accomplishments included being honored by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as One of the Twelve Most Influential Persons In Medicine in Pittsburgh for 2002, and serving as the founding Director of Senior Sports and Fitness at UPMC and as Co-Director with Dr. Freddie Fu of the 2005 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh, an event which was covered by television and newspaper media across the country.
Toward the end of his career, Dr. Cohen was appointed Chief of Orthopaedics at the Oakland VA Medical Center, where he continued to train Pitt orthopedic residents. Dr. Cohen's other activities over the years included Chief of Orthopaedics at West Penn Hospital, Member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Committee on Aging, other national and local committees, grant approved research projects, publications in peer reviewed journals, and international presentations. Private graveside services held at Homewood Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. The family requests that donations in Dr. Cohen's memory be made to the charity of your choice. www.schugar.com
Condolences
Send Condolence
We are all so sorry to hear of Uncle Peter’s passing. Although it has been some time since we have seen each other, he holds a dear place in our hearts. May his memory be a blessing. Love Bob Bushkoff.
By Bob Bushkoff - December 03, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Cohen family. I had the honor of working with Peter during my medical sales career and he was a great surgeon and even better guy. I thought enough of his skills that I brought my father up from West Virginia for both his hip surgeries. Peter and I laughed together as my Dad insisted on a surgeon who was “Golf” friendly. We both were not sure what that meant. Well, Dad had his first hole in one 10 weeks to the day after his first surgery and his second hole in one 10 weeks to the day after his second hole in one! Peter joked we should submit to a journal under Golf friendly surgeon.He will be missed. R.I.P.
By Jimmy Eaton - December 02, 2024
So incredibly sorry to hear of Dr. Cohen passing, Rob, Roy and myself loved him at Green Oaks and enjoyed giving him usual half cup of decaf while playing cards with his friends, we cherish those wonderful days we had with him watching him play cards for hours. My condolences to his family, he was a special man to us guys.
By Tom Lininger - December 01, 2024
My deepest condolences to Dr. Cohen's family. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Cohen as a nurse at Montefiore Hospital many years ago, and I had seen him there several years ago. He was an excellent Surgeon, and kind to his patients and staff. My sincere Blessings to the family.
By Eva C. - November 30, 2024
We are heartbroken to hear of Peter’s passing. He was one of the kindest and sweetest people that we were privileged to know.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Janie, and to your family.
I’m sure you know how much Peter was loved. May his memory always be for a blessing and may he rest in peace.🙏🙏b3w9b
Irene and Harry Exler
By Irene and Harry Exler - November 29, 2024
So sorry to hear about your dad. Such a great man. My deepest sympathies to you and your family
By Debra Green - November 29, 2024
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
By Adrienne & Larry Savitz - November 29, 2024
Such a wonderful man with an incredible legacy. May Dr. Cohen\'s memory be a blessing.
By Joseph Adelman - November 29, 2024
I’m so sorry for your lost, Dr. cohen will be missed by all of us at the deli.
By Bob Wasserman - November 29, 2024