Robert L. Coen

Robert Lowell Coen, age 84, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, at Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, Maryland. Born on March 22, 1941, in White Hall, Maryland, Robert was raised on the historic Atlanta Hall Farms, part of My Lady's Manor Estate, where his love of nature, family, and community first took root.

He was the beloved son of Louis Vernon Coen and Mary Jemima McComas, and brother to James Coen and Mary Ruth Hopkins, all of whom preceded him in death. Robert was also preceded in death by his cherished wife, Alice Dailey Daum Coen, who passed on November 7, 2023. Married on June 26, 1988, Robert and Alice shared 35 years of love, partnership, and steadfast devotion.

Earlier in life, Robert was married to Virginia Ellen Bennett, now Virginia Ellen Kuriata, with whom he lovingly raised his sons, Timothy and Todd.

Robert was a life-long learner and mentor. He served in the National Guard, worked for AAI Corporation, spent time as a dedicated Boy Scout leader, and was employed for many years as an Engineering Technician and civil servant for the U.S. Army. Robert's insatiable curiosity for new inventions and technology that made life easier for those with mobility challenges.

Known for his quiet strength, loyal spirit, and jovial presence, Robert was affectionately called “the Mayor of Harford County”—a title that followed him to Carroll Lutheran Village where he quickly became “the Mayor” there, too. His humor endured even in his final days, and his mottoes — “One day at a time,” “Life is about choices,” and “Play the hand you’re dealt”—continue to resonate with those he loved.

Robert's life was defined by service and community. He volunteered with Volunteers for Medical Engineering (now V-LINC), helping design mobility equipment for underserved communities, earning a Merit Award for his efforts. He also served on the Harford County Commission on Disabilities and Carroll County’s Bureau for Aging and Disabilities, ensuring others could age in place with dignity, a goal he personally achieved.

He found joy in fishing, especially on Panama’s Gatun Lakes, a time he looked back on fondly. An athlete his whole life, he played high school football and ran track. Later, he played racketball, swam, and was an early user of Nautilus workouts. He swam regularly, continuing this at Carroll Lutheran Village racking up a mile a day well into his late seventies. He gardened, cheered on the Orioles, Ravens, and Maryland basketball, explored early web design, and traveled widely in retirement, visiting Italy, Germany, Spain, London, and Panama. Most of all, he cherished time with his grandkids, on beach vacations, giving tractor rides through the woods, and sharing quiet moments that spoke louder than words.

Despite Robert being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992, Bob led a full and vibrant life guided by his commitment to breath work, exercise, and acupuncture. These became the foundation of his well-being until his passing.

Robert is survived by his sons, Timothy Coen and Todd Coen, and his stepdaughters, Beth Ann Daum and Nancy Daum, with whom he shared a close and loving blended family. He also leaves behind grandchildren, extended family, and a wide circle of neighbors and friends, each of whom was touched by his generosity, warmth, and enduring optimism.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 17, 2025, at 10:30am, in Krug Chapel at Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, Maryland. Visitation and a funeral service will take place on July 18 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in White Hall, Maryland. The family will receive visitors at 1pm, followed by the funeral service at 2pm. Burial immediately following on the church grounds.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s honor may be made to:

Multiple Sclerosis Society Support life-changing research and resources for those affected by MS:

 https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaign/Honoring-Bob--Coen

Bridging Life Hospice Help provide comfort, dignity, and compassionate end-of-life care: 

https://secure.everyaction.com/KsKC-mbemEqxAmXd6KLRvw2