Hans G Kohl

Hans G. Kohl of Westchester NY lost a relatively short but valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer on December 12, 2022.  He was 86. 

An immigrant from Bavaria Germany Hans led a full life with no regrets.  He grew up in World War II Germany with his parents and 3 siblings Marianne, Ida and Werner.  He embarked on the American Dream with his first stop working in a coal mine in Canada to help gain entry to the United States.

He finally arrived in New York with a strong work ethic, a focused dream, and a charming personality.  He made a wonderful life with his wife of 44 years, Patricia and his son Michael and daughter Jennifer (and her husband Cyrus).  His grandchildren; Mason, Jade and Dylan brought him immense joy and much laughter.  He had many mischievous adventures with them, shared his childhood stories and taught them valuable life lessons.

His passion for photography became his profession as well.  He began a notable career at Time Inc as a Photo Lab technician always moonlighting to earn extra money for his family.  He rose to the top editorial position as Chief of Photographic Services overseeing Super Bowls, the Oscars and everyday events.  This career led him to meet the likes of Muhammed Ali, Sammy Davis Jr and Carol Channing.  He also developed deep friendships with famous photographers like Alfred Eisenstaedt, Carl Mydans and Gordon Parks. 

Hans always had a quest for education.  He read 100s of books to take command of the English language.  He enrolled at NY Institute of Photography and later received management training at Hofstra University.  He soaked up all he could outside of books as well listening intently to anyone who would share a lesson about real estate, college planning, finance, family dynamics and so on.  He was a perpetual student.

The training Hans gained as a sports fitness instructor in the German Army stayed with him until the end.  He enjoyed walking many miles with a cherished friend along the Hudson River, Stone Barnes and Rockefeller Preserve and went swimming or biking whenever he could.  He was also known to kick soccer balls over his house to impress his children and later his grandchildren. 

Hans never embraced the word retirement.  He had a long list of things to do each day and he was quick to pivot to civic work after 30 years at Time Inc.  He joined the Pearl River Rotary where he found a wonderful group of professionals to share stories and talents with.  Photography stayed with Hans every day of his life.  Whether he was taking pictures for his iconic annual Christmas cards, at Rotary events, of his travels, his grandchildren or most recently his favorite meals cooked by a wonderful soul.

To celebrate Hans’ life, calling hours are Sunday December 18, 2022 from 4-8pm at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Pearl River NY.  A mass of Christian burial will be held Monday December 19, 2022 at 10 am at St Anthony’s Parish Church in Nanuet NY.

Donations in honor and memory of Hans G. Kohl can be made out to the Pearl River Rotary Charitable Fund, Inc and mailed to Rotary Club of Pearl River, P.O. Box 824, Pearl River NY 10965.   

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