Philip L. Cobey, 83, of Medford, died on August 18, at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, following a lengthy illness. Born in Boston, son of the late Vincenzo and Gertrude (Merageas) Cobiano, he was raised in Cambridge, where he attended Agassiz Elementary School. In 1947, he graduated from Cambridge High and Latin School after serving in the Marine Corps from 1945 –1946, as part of post-war occupational forces in China. He received a bachelor degree in English in 1953 from Boston University, and was an honorary member of the national drama society. In 1960, he earned a master’s degree in education. His teaching career began in 1953, in Maine, at the Harmon Hall School followed, in 1954, by a teaching position at Easton Middle School in Massachusetts. A 47-year career with Department of Defense Dependent Schools followed at Rochefort American High School, France (1956-1957), Augsburg American High School, Germany (1957-1960), Paris American High School, France (1960-1965), Munich American High School, Germany (1965-1992), and Heidelberg Middle School, Germany (1992-2003). He taught English, Speech, Drama, Humanities and World Geography.
During his years overseas, Mr. Cobey enjoyed film-making, camping, hiking, skiing, cycling, swimming, and traveling. In 2003, Mr. Cobey returned to the U.S. and settled in Medford, MA. He continued to pursue many hobbies and interests in retirement, such as oil painting, ballroom dancing, guitar playing, reading, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed many return trips to Europe visiting old friends and the beautiful cities of Europe, which he loved so much.
He was preceded in death by a second wife, Patrice Dunlap, in 2002. He is survived by two children, Stefan Cobey of Pless, Germany and Bettina Kennedy of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a son-in-law, Lt. Col. (USAF) Douglas Kennedy; two grandchildren, Sean and Karis Kennedy; a brother, John Prince and his wife, Barbara Berry, of Maine; a first wife, Margot Cobey, of Munich, Germany. Mr. Cobey was loved and respected by many. He will be sadly missed.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 18 from 10-11 am in the Dello Russo Funeral Home 306 Main Street Medford, followed by a Memorial service at 11 am. Services will conclude with interment in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Philip’s name may be sent to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield MA. 01202 or online at www.lls.org.