Stu Cohen died following complications of treatment for recurrent Lymphoma.

Born in Lowell, Stu was an only child, surrounded by a network of close first cousins.

He found a fretless banjo during a summer job collecting garbage for the Lowell Department of Public works. It ignited his curiosity and ultimately set the course for his life's work.

Following graduation from UNH, he joined the Peace Corp in 1962 and spent two years building roads in Tanzania. It was his first trip abroad and sparked his interest in travel, especially travel that included good food.

After the Peace Corp he went to Pittsburgh for graduate school. He subsequently worked as the executive director of the Urban League of Pittsburgh. He used his graduate student stipend to start the Music Emporium. Purveyor of vintage musical instruments, that store, now in Lexington, continues for more than 50 years.

Always the organizer, when the rented Victorian mansion, home to Scrimshaw, a group of musicians and music lovers was sold, he bought another house so that the collective could continue. Scrimshaw music parties were legendary and fittingly he met his wife, Deane Marchbein, at one of the parties.

Stu loved reading and gardening, especially tomatoes.

Calling hours will be held Sunday Jan. 19 at 4 Grey Stone Path in Dedham from 2pm to 4pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited.

His ashes will be placed next to his son, Caleb, at his farm in Royalston, MA.