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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