Jack L. Coben

On January 1, 2026, Jack Coben passed in his sleep. He would have turned 102 ten
days later. Jack is survived by his 4 sons: Larry, Stuart, Jeffrey (Sharon, his wife), and
Robert (Anne, his wife). Jack was grandfather and great-grandfather to many loved ones, including Evan, Sasha, Lauren, Michelle, Allison, Julia, Taylor, and Spencer.  Jack passed a year and a half since the love of his life—Babe—passed.

Born on January 11, 1924, in Trenton, NJ, to Morris and Tillie, he was the baby of three: Hymie, Vivian, and Jack.
Jack grew up in West Philadelphia, PA, and after graduating from Northeast High School, he began college at Drexel University (Engineering).

Unfortunately, World War II came along, and off he went to join the Navy. After serving in the Navy as an instructor, Jack
worked as a Navy civilian employee before returning to a more lucrative business. Over
the next 30 years, Jack ran several successful businesses, including “Abstract
Specialties”. However, his first joy was sharing life with his family and friends. Jack was
always giving of his time and efforts to whoever needed him. Whether it involved
building the first TV on his street (Wells Street in Oxford circle Pa.) or remodeling a
basement or someone’s unfinished attic, he was your man.

Jack made and kept friends. He had lifelong childhood friends from elementary school, and he was the first in his family to volunteer to host parties or help others celebrate
their special days. Early on, Jack got involved with the Knights of Pythias and became
the President of his local chapter in Philadelphia. One of his favorite pastimes was
making home movies with his sons, wife, nephews, nieces, and grandkids. He wrote,
directed, and sometimes starred in several movies, including Stuart and the Potato Stalk,
Seven with One Blow and other memorable films. Directing everyone, these movies are
priceless—and in many, they were silent but included “narrative cards” describing the
action.

Jack was a devoted Uncle to his nephews and nieces: Donald, David, Dotty, and Paula.
He stepped in to help and support his sister-in-law, Betty, when her husband Hymie
passed away at a very young age. He made sure they were safe, sound, and happy.
When Jack’s mom (Tillie) passed, and while he had his sons and wife to support, he
immediately brought his dad into the house, building a separate bedroom and bath for
Pop Pop Morris. As a salesman working full-time and a full-time husband, dad, and son,
Jack never stopped smiling and searching for happiness for everyone. He and Babe
were a perfect match because they gave all for those they loved.

Jack and Babe were so very proud of their sons and their wives, their grandkids, and
their great-grandkids. Through all the trials and tribulations of life, they always found ways to
celebrate everyone’s successes. They never backed down when they were needed.

Over the years, and before they downsized from two homes (Huntingdon Valley, PA, and
the NJ shore), when their boys moved on to live their own lives, Jack and Babe regaled
in having their grandkids, nieces and nephews, and friends visit and sleep over at the
shore (in the “Penthouse”). Almost every weekend in the summer, there would be a
dozen or so guests, and most of them ended up on the boat with Jack. And, whenever
they planned a trip to places like China and Israel, we always knew that some of their
dear friends would be with them. It seemed like friends and family could never get
enough of Jack and Babe.

While never a religious person, it was obvious that Jack worshiped life and the people
around him. He was a student of human nature and never failed people who called on
him. Maybe he learned some of that from Babe.
Jack walked through life with the attitude that while some people see the glass half full,
and others see it half empty, he saw it twice as big as it needed to be. Hemingway wrote
that every man’s life ends the same way. It is the details of how he lives that
distinguishes one man from another.
In the eyes of everyone who called Jack “dad”, “pop pop”, or “uncle”, he was a
distinguishing figure. He challenged life his way. He met life head-on and gave freely in
support of those he cared for.

As a part of the lives of so many, his words, mannerisms, and values became those of
the people he embraced. There is no greater gift than for parents, grandparents, and
their children and grandchildren to feel that they are joined together with each other in
silent, unspeakable memories. That’s the bond Jack created. His spirit lives on in those
he touched. There is no greater gift.

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