Prof. Lawrence Cohen dies

12:01 p.m., April 2, 2012--Lawrence H. Cohen, professor of psychology at the University of Delaware, died April 1. He was 61.

A member of the UD faculty since 1979, he directed the doctoral program in clinical psychology from 1987-92 and again from 2009-11. He also served as associate chair of the Department of Psychology from 1994-2002. 

His research was primarily concerned with daily stress and coping in adults. He specialized in the use of daily diary methodology, and his work was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

"We are deeply saddened by this news," said Gregory Miller, chairperson of the Department of Psychology. "During his 32 years on the UD faculty, he was an active scholar and teacher and served UD in many roles."

Born in Levittown, N.Y., he earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Florida State University in 1977. He interned at the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center and was licensed in Delaware.  

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Rita Yopp Cohen; son, Matthew L. Cohen and wife, Megan, of Gainesville, Fla.; daughter, Jessica M. Cohen of Newark, Del.; and brother, Harmon Cohen and wife, Meryl, of Southampton, N.Y. 

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 5, at the Spicer Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, Del., where visitation will begin at 5 p.m.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Special Olympics, c/o University of Delaware, 619 South College Ave., Newark, DE 19716, or Vitas Hospice, 100 Commerce Drive, Suite 302, Newark, DE 19713.

To leave online condolences, visit the Spicer-Mullikin website.