Glenn Alan Cohen

Only child of the late Herman and Mary Cohen, both from Russia, Glenn was born September 27, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY.

He graduated Cum Laude in 1967 from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn with a B.S. in electrical engineering. His job at Bell Laboratories allowed him the opportunity to go anywhere in the country for graduate school, and Glenn chose Stanford University. Not wanting to return to New Jersey after his time at Stanford, Glenn stayed in California, where he met Ann. The two were married in 1975, and they were blessed with 51 years of marriage.

Throughout their marriage, Glenn and Ann loved playing golf, spending time in Carmel Valley, biking, hiking, traveling, and celebrating holidays with family. They welcomed their daughter Marissa in the early years of their marriage, and Glenn found great joy in fatherhood. Over the years, the two enjoyed playing invented games, singing, practicing languages, discussing politics, and going on walks. One of Glenn’s favorite things to do with Marissa was have deep conversations during their walks.

Soon after he was married, Glenn developed an interest in police scanners. In 1978, he turned his hobby into an entrepreneurial endeavor by opening his electronic retail store, Scanners Unlimited, in San Carlos, CA. His business reached customers from all over the country, and even as far as England. Locals would sit in his store for hours, chatting not only about scanners and CB radios, but anything else on their minds. Glenn saw listening to his customers as a form of ministry. He believed God led him to this profession so he could use his gifts for math, business, and teaching.

When he decided to retire in 2008 and close Scanners Unlimited after 31 years, Glenn chose to devote his free time to volunteer work. His Catholic faith inspired him to serve others. He enjoyed working in the surgical waiting room at Sequoia Hospital, updating families about their loved ones’ procedures, and conversing with them to bring them peace in a stressful time. He also visited nursing home residents at Belmont Healthcare Center and patients of Mission Hospice. Other volunteer activities included teaching English at St. Francis Center and teaching chess to children, and working at the Fair Oaks Community Center and Samaritan House food pantries.

Throughout Glenn’s adult life, he enjoyed many hobbies, such as metal detecting, golf, playing the accordion, listening to a wide variety of music, swimming, learning Spanish, watching 49ers football, enjoying nature, and playing chess. He was interested in politics and current events, and was constantly watching CNN for the latest news.

Glenn is survived by his devoted wife, Ann Sullivan Cohen, and loving daughter, Marissa Chandler.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11am on Wednesday, June 17, at St. Charles Catholic Church, 880 Tamarack Ave., San Carlos, CA.

In remembrance of Glenn’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Sequoia Hospital, Mission Hospice, or Catholic Worker House.