Deceased July 5, 2018
View alumni profile (log in required)
Read obituary
In Memory
Charles, age 88, died suddenly July 5, at his home. He was born June 13, 1930, in New Castle, Pa.
After Amherst he completed medical school at the University of Pennsylvania and an oncology fellowship at the University of Michigan, and also served in the U.S. Air Force. His first medical oncology practice began at the Toledo Hospital; he was the first medical oncologist in Toledo. He then joined the Toledo Clinic and was a member for more than 40 years. Under his tutelage, the Toledo Clinic Medical Oncology group expanded to include eight more medical oncologists and the oncology program at Flower Hospital.
Charles was a caring and concerned professional, committed to expanding oncology care to those in need. He started Toledo Community Hospital Oncology, a program that helped create satellite oncology clinics in the areas surrounding Toledo. He was a charter member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and was very involved with numerous research activities. He was instrumental as a consultant with the National Cancer Institute as a reviewer and evaluator for oncology grant proposals. He was also adjunct faculty with the University of Toledo, taught medical students and internal medical residents and was an active clinical preceptor. The legacy for the current Toledo and surrounding areas for oncology practice and patient care started with Dr. Cobau’s footprint.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Teresa Betts-Cobau; two children, Dr. Henry Cobau (Nancy) and Edward; grandchildren Stephanie, William, Nick, Charlie, Daniel and Thomas; his son by marriage, Nathan Bowden; his grandchildren by marriage, Sam, Myles and Lauren Nessif; and brothers John (Arlene) and William Cobau. He was preceded by a son, Duffy Cobau; his daughter by marriage, Anna Nessif; and sister-in-law Judy Cobau.
Teresa Betts-Cobau