Dr. Arnold A. Cohen

Cohen Dr. Arnold A., age 89, of Golden Valley. A Duluth native, Arnold was a renowned physicist, noted for his significant contributions as a pioneer in the computer industry, primarily in the design and development of digital magnetic storage. He earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (1935), Masters (1938) and Ph.D. in Physics (1947) from the Univ. of Minnesota. He started his professional career at RCA in Lancaster, PA. Arnold was part of the founding group of Engineering Research Associates, Inc. (ERA) in 1946. Following ERA's acquisition by Remington-Rand Univac in 1952, which later became Sperry, Arnold and Dr. Sidney Rubens led the division responsible for development of computer systems for the military. In the 1960's, he was honored by the State of Minnesota as "Inventor of the Year" for his achievements in computer engineering. In the 1960's and 70's, Arnold also served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board to the National Security Agency. In the 1970's, Arnold was Associate Dean at the Institute of Technology at the U of M. In 1984, he was awarded an IEEE Fellowship for "pioneering achievement on computer and storage devices and sustained service to the profession in this field." He co-founded and served as a board member of the Charles Babbage Center for the History of Information Technology at the U of M. Arnold was also active in the Mpls Jewish community, serving as Vice President and long-term board member of the Adath Jeshurun Congregation. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annette (Honi). Survived by wife, Leah; children, Judy & Mark Libman, Toronto, Ontario, Melissa Cohen & Sheldon Silberman, Golden Valley; granddaughters, Dena and Caroline Libman; sister, Anita Hallock, Edina; and Leah's family, Barbara & Earl Hoffman, Golden Valley and Dr. Ira & Laurie Davis, Cleveland, OH. Funeral services TUESDAY (TODAY), 1 PM, ADATH JESHURUN CONGREGATION, 10500 W. Hillside Lane, Minnetonka. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Minnesota Medical Foundation, 200 Oak St. SE, #300, Mpls 55455-2030, or the donor's favorite charity. SHIVA, 120 N. Westwood Dr., Golden Valley (Tues., Wed. Thurs. & Sunday at 7 PM). Arr. Hodroff & Sons.

Published on August 5, 2003