Harry L. Cohoon, Jr.

Harry L. Cohoon, Jr., 88, of Warwick, left us on Veteran’s Day, Saturday, November 11, 2017.
He was particularly proud of being a first generation US citizen born in Providence of the late Harry L. Cohoon, Sr., a tinsmith from Springhill, Nova Scotia, and the late Hazel Fraser (MacLeod) Cohoon, a farm woman from Meadowville, Nova Scotia.
For many years in the 1950s he was a prominent WHIM radio personality, teaming with prominent broadcasters including Jay Creedon, Ernie Anderson, Charlie Jeffords, Carrol Philbrook, Bruce Williamson, Art Milner, Paul Garnet, Bob LaChance, and Eddy Zack. They were at the forefront as radio evolved. The WHIM personality format was recognized nationally and prospered during the new radio era. His two daily radio shows were the highest rated in their time periods. Entering the Providence advertising and public relations industry in its infancy – after leaving WHIM where he was professionally known as Harry Case – he was a co-founder of Creamer, Trowbridge and Case, an advertising and public relations firm with roots in Providence which grew into a nationally-ranked and highly-respected firm.
A recipient of the Anthony Medal from Providence Public Schools, he later graduated cum laude from Boston University. He was the Rhode Island delegate to the Second World Conference at Christian Youth in Oslo, Norway, Past Master Councilor of Providence Chapter Order of DeMolay, a charter member of Alpha Epsilon Rho communication fraternity, past president of the Boston University Club of Rhode Island, past president of the Rhode Island Advertising Club, and was the 1978 Ad Club Advertising Man of the Year.
He was a Korean War naval veteran and served on the Board of Pocasset Cemetery and the East Greenwich Planning Board for seven years as well as a member of Mathewson Street Methodist Church in Providence for 80 years. He was an East Greenwich resident for more than 30 years, moving to Cedar Tree Point in Warwick in 1999.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara (nee Farnsworth); sons Harry III of St. Charles, Missouri; Scott (wife, Jean) of Cranston, Rhode Island, and Gordon (wife, Laurie) of Sarasota, Florida, along with six grandchildren – Lincoln, Suzanne, Michaela, Brianna, James, and Chelsea.
A Graveside Service with military honors will be held Thursday, November 16, at 11 a.m., at Glenwood Cemetery – Middle and Cedar Avenues, East Greenwich. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, November 15, from 6-8 p.m. at Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main Street, East Greenwich. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to the East Greenwich Animal Protection League, P.O. 184, East Greenwich, RI, 02818 would be greatly appreciated.