Barton Z. Cowan
March 3, 1934 - November 2, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barton Zalman Cowan, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, who departed this life on November 2 at the age of 91.

Bart was born on March 3, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Milton J. and Clara (Umans) Cowan, both teachers. He attended the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) where he earned an economics degree with honors and played trumpet for the Michigan Marching Band, something he continued throughout his life marching with the alumni band at homecomings. After Michigan, Bart attended Harvard Law School, where he received his J.D. cum laude in 1958 and then served as an officer in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. He went on to join the Pittsburgh based law firm of Eckert, Seamans & Cherin (later Eckert, Seamans, Cherin & Mellott) in 1961, and worked with Alcoa and other Pittsburgh based companies, ultimately becoming the chief outside legal counsel for Westinghouse and involved in licensing nuclear power plants, as well as pioneering regulatory reform that led to advances in nuclear plant licensing. Bart was chairman of the lawyers committee of the Atomic Industrial Forum (AIF) and chairman of the Nuclear Management and Resources Council (NUMARC) and was the U.S. representative to the Board of Management of the International Nuclear Law Association (INLA). While at the firm, Bart was an adjunct professor for twelve years at several law schools including Duquesne University and following his retirement joined the faculty at WVU Law School.

Throughout his life, Bart found joy in serving others. He served on the board of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and served on the Board of Governors of the Hebrew Union College. His leadership was seen through his serving as President of Rodef Shalom congregation and President of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) among others.

Bart cherished most his wife Teri, to whom he was married for sixty-four years and was his best friend and confidant. Bart and Teri traveled extensively worldwide and yet almost never missed a Steelers game - a converted Browns fan to his brother Dale's chagrin. Bart was a devoted father to his three daughters, always making time to offer his guidance, love and support. He cherished his many friendships, loved playing golf and spending time with family on Hilton Head Island.

Bart was the loving husband of Teri Cowan, beloved father of Pamela (William Noll, deceased) Cowan, Cynthia (Philip) Stewart, Susan (Ronald) Kraft, brother of Dale (Susan) Cowan, grandfather of Allison Kraft, Julia Kraft, Jason Grant, Amy Kraft, Zea Stewart and Adina Stewart, and great grandfather of Aubrey Grant-Demarco.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 11 AM at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh (Oakland). Visitation one hour prior to services (10 AM - 11 AM). Interment at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. The family will sit shiva for friends and family on Thursday afternoon from 3 PM to 7 PM and on Friday from 1 PM to 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), https://aane.org/donate.

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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He sounds like such an incredible man! Sending love to the family. Xoxo

By Natalie Toppino - November 08, 2025

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Dear Aunt Teri and girls, My heart goes out to you on the loss of uncle Bart. Uncle Bart was such a kind, smart, funny, amazing man. We always loved spending time with him. He was so proud of all of you and loved you so very much! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all❤️

By Molly Alsept - November 05, 2025

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Dear Cowan family, May he rest in peace, Many thanks for sharing the obituary. Wow, what an incredible man, a super star. I regret not meeting him. Hard to believe any one individual can accomplish so much. My sincerest condolences. 💐 with prayers,

By Pierre Paul Oneid - November 05, 2025

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Terri So sorry I am away next week. Will miss funeral. My thoughts are with you. Much love.

By Wallis Katz - November 05, 2025

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My condolences to Teri, Pam, Cynthia, Susan and Dale. Through his friendship with my parents, I have known Bart for most of my life. I played golf with him a few times at Westmoreland and learned many things from him and about him. Whether he was talking about his love of nuclear law or his love of his nuclear family, there were always interesting conversations. His wit and wisdom will keep him alive in my memory. He was a good man.

By Kelly Lefkowitz - November 05, 2025

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I have such fond memories of Mr. Cowan. He was like a second father to me. Such a brilliant and well respected man! May his memory be of a blessing. I love you all!

By Jennifer Crivella - November 04, 2025

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I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the family of Barton Cowan.

By Richard Gordon - November 04, 2025

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I enjoyed many good times sitting next to Bart in the Rodef Shira chior and kidding about The Ohio State ( where my daughter was an alumni) and Michigan, his alma mater. He was a most interesting and likable person. May his memory be a blessing to his Family.

By Tim Litman - November 04, 2025

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Bart, my oldest cousin, has always been a beloved and respected presence in my life. He is greatly missed. May his memory be for a blessing.

By Steve Umans - November 04, 2025

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It is with profound sadness that I send my condolences to Pam and all of Bart’s family. He was truly one of the greatest generation of the nuclear bar. Even more importantly, he was a gentleman. When my mother passed away, it was his letter of condolence that is one of the few seared into my memory and which still warms my heart. He will be missed but always remembered with great affection.

By Ellen Ginsberg - November 04, 2025

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Dear Cowan family, May he rest in peace, Many thanks for sharing the obituary. Wow, what an incredible man, a super star. I regret not meeting him. Hard to believe any one individual can accomplish so much. My sincerest condolences. 💐 with prayers,

By Pierre Paul Oneid - November 04, 2025

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I send all my love and hugs

By Frederic Lane - November 04, 2025

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