Sherwood Davidson Kohn, 90, beloved husband of Monna Kohn (nee Fingerman); devoted father of Guy Kohn (Debra), Matthew Kohn (Brenda), Josh Kohn (Karen) and Jan Kohn Swan (Matthew); loving grandfather of Adam Swan, Spencer Kohn, Olivia Swan, Benjamin Kohn, Aaron Kohn, Mallory Kohn and Grace Kohn; devoted son of the late Stanley and Theodora Kohn. He was born in 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He was an artist, writer, journalist, teacher, poet, critic, editor and social activist. He was a creative, honest and well-intentioned person who imparted these important qualities to his children. He constantly sought out the truth, challenged the status quo and championed creativity and the arts. He was irreverent and saw humor in many aspects of life around him. His searching and inquisitive mind gave him the ability to seek out the truth and uncover the many foibles of humanity.
Both of his parents, Stanley and Theodora Kohn were well-known artists in Cincinnati. Stanley was the Creative Director for the Cincinnati Enquirer for 40 years. And Ted (as she was known) studied at Fontainebleau in Paris and was friends with Claude Monet’s daughter. Sherwood entered the army at the end of WW II and served in liberated Korea before the war broke out. After his honorable discharge, and under the GI bill, he received his undergraduate degree at the University of Cincinnati. While reviewing a theatrical production at UC, Sherwood met the love of his life, Monna Gale Fingerman and was immediately smitten by her. (He always knew his mind) Monna fell for him also, despite the fact that he ended up panning the play in a review for the college newspaper. After getting married he and Monna moved to Columbus so that he could pursue his master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University.
Over the years, Sherwood accomplished many things, not least of which was receiving the Television Critic of the Year from the Directors Guild of American Critics in 1961. Early in his career he was a theater, television and movie critic for The Cincinnati Enquirer and The Louisville Courier Journal. Over the years his journalistic work has appeared in publications such as Ladies’ Home Journal, The New York Times Magazine, Life, Playboy, National Geographic, Baltimore Jewish Times and many others. He taught journalism at American University and was also editor of the Congressional Budget Monthly publication. Most recently, he was the editor in chief of Carroll Magazine, a monthly magazine owned by his sons, Josh and Matt, in Carroll County, Md. His opinion pieces for the magazine were eagerly read every month by a devoted following of readers. Contributions can be given in his name to the ACLU, American Civil Liberties Union, to help protect the rights of all Americans, regardless of race, creed or color. Funeral services and interment will be held at Beth Jacob Cemetery, Finksburg, Md. on Sunday, September 10, at 2 p.m. Please omit flowers. In mourning at 83 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157, Sunday only.
