Willard Kohen

Willard "Jay" Kohen of Elizabethtown, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025 with his loving family by his side.

Jay was born on December 31, 1937 in Amityville (Long Island), NY to Willard and Mildred (Austin) Kohen. He was raised in Baldwin and after graduating high school, received his Bachelor's Degree at SUNY Albany (1951) and Master's Degree from C.W. Post of Long Island University (1961).

Prior to the start of his teaching career, Jay was honored to serve in the U.S. Army as a company clerk for the 716th Military Police. This was during the tumultuous time with civil rights, his unit was assigned as the escort and protection of James Meredith, the first black student integrated in "Ole Miss" (1962). Jay was always very proud of this service and enjoyed telling stories of the remarkable role he played in it.

After his honorable discharge in 1963, Jay married the love of his life, Candy Morris. Together for 61 years, they 'danced' through life, proudly raising their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A dedicated educator for 30 years, Jay was affectionately known as "The Wizard" by his high school English students, and could make Shakespeare, Tolkien and Poe interesting and fun. He was loved by colleagues and friends alike, often enjoying cocktails, billiards and socializing at our local establishments.

After retiring, Jay continued to serve the community by delivering 'meals on wheels' for 10+ years. He was an avid 'puzzler', reader, bird watcher and never gave up on the damned Yankees. His unique sense of humor often kept family and friends laughing and smiling on a daily basis. He is also known to make the best spaghetti sauce in the North Country.

Jay and Candy enjoyed many happy years at their camp on Lake Champlain and several memorable trips to Southwest Harbor, Maine.

Left to cherish Jay's memory is a large, loving family and many friends, including his beloved wife, Candy; his children, Deb Egglefield (David Bender), Bill Kohen (Rose Allen), Julie and John Napper, and son-in-law Robert Egglefield; his sister Carla (Joe) Mulligan of Freeport, Long Island; sisters-in-law Judy Shepard, Carol Morris and Priscilla Chesnut; grandchildren, Bradley Egglefield (Taylor Swan), Jacob and Landon Egglefield, Kenesa Kohen, Amanda Napper, Kristy and David Quaglietta, Jesse Napper (Brianna Sargent); great-grandchildren Blakely Egglefield, Isabelle and Charlotte Quaglietta and Jaxon Napper; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Jay was predeceased by his sister Patricia (Kohen) Flora; and brothers (in-law) that he loved, Michael Morris, George Shepard and John Chesnut.

A special thank you to Morgan, Robyn and High Peaks Hospice for their wonderful care and support during Jay's illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to High Peaks Hospice,1247 Dix Ave., Hudson Falls, NY 12839, or the United Church of Christ, PO Box 537, Elizabethtown, NY 12932.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick Funeral Home, PO Box 188, 7521 Court St., Elizabethtown, NY 12932.