Lawrence M.D.

Lawrence Samuel Cohen, M.D., 72, died at home Friday, February 15, 2008, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Betty; sons Lawrence, Jr. and Jeffrey; daughters Nancy Oderkirk and husband Robert, and Alice Cohen; grandchildren Jake, Lauren, and Hannah; brother Harold Cohen; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Millard and a sister, Bernice. Born in Nashville, TN, he attended West High School and Vanderbilt University's undergraduate and medical schools. After orthopedic residency in Cleveland, Ohio at Case-Western Reserve University hospitals, and two years' service as a physician in the Air Force, the family moved in 1967 to Tampa, where he has practiced orthopedics since, in private practice for 33 years and at the James Haley VA Hospital for six years. The practice of medicine had been the focus of his life. He served as president of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, a position of which he was especially proud. The family wishes to thank all his friends for their constant support - physicians, co-workers in his office and at the VA, neighbors, and LifePath Hospice. A memorial service will take place at 3:30 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2008 at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, 3303 West Swann Avenue, Tampa, with Rabbi Richard Birnholz officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy, Florida Chapter, 222 South Westmonte Drive, Suite 300, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714; to Congregation Schaarai Zedek; or to a charity of one's choice.