Elias Surut Cohen of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania’s first commissioner on aging and a passionate advocate for the elderly, died on November 24 at 93, writes Bonnie L. Cook for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Cohen was appointed the state commissioner for ageing issues for the Department of Public Welfare in 1956. He stayed in that position for 12 years and significantly grew its profile.

He then moved on to the position of state’s commissioner of family services. There, he administered public assistance programs.

Throughout his entire career, he advocated for elderly people and would lash out when he believed they were at risk.

He became a lawyer later in life and went on to become the attorney at the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia who directed the Project on Aging, Law, and Long-Term Care.

His advocacy also extended to the mentally disabled and impoverished.

“He rarely took a case from anyone who could afford to pay his fee,” said his family.

Cohen won a landmark case in 1979 that ensured group homes for the mentally disabled could exist in residential neighborhoods.

Read more about Elias S. Cohen at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.