Reuben Cohen, 95, passed away peacefully at his home on Meadowbrook Drive on July 23, 2017. A longtime Princeton resident, Reuben was a founder and former president of the research firm Response Analysis Corporation, a past president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research, and a past president of the Jewish Center of Princeton. A private man, known for his integrity and keen intellect, Reuben cared deeply about social justice and donated generously to progressive causes.
Reuben was born on November 26, 1921, in Washington, DC, where one of his first jobs was as a paperboy hawking newspapers at FDR’s inauguration. He received his BS and MA from American University. His studies were interrupted while serving in the US Army in World War II, followed by a civilian post at the Pentagon. In 1956, Reuben moved to Princeton to accept a position at Opinion Research Corporation. He later co-founded Response Analysis Corporation.
Under contract to CBS in 1964, Reuben headed the groundbreaking team that ushered in the now standard practice of using exit polling to project the outcome of presidential elections during election night TV coverage. Well recognized in his field, Reuben was called to testify before Congress as an expert in statistical sampling techniques.
After retiring in 1986, Reuben spent time traveling, creating a Japanese garden, and cheering for the Washington Redskins.
Reuben is survived by his wife of 41 years, Dawn Day, sons Steven (Pamela Blake) of Lumberville, PA, Alan (Susan) of Princeton Junction, and Michael (Jutta Joesch) of Seattle; grandchildren Sara and Isaac Cohen and Lena Joesch-Cohen; brother Morris Cohen (Robin Fogel) of Titusville, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Sol, Ike and Harry, and his first wife, Mamie Eisenberg Cohen.
Funeral arrangements by Star of David Memorial Chapel of Princeton are private, with burial at Princeton Cemetery.
