David Kahn

February 7, 1930 - January 23, 2024 (93 years old)

Great Neck, New York

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David Kahn

February 7, 1930 - January 23, 2024 (93 years old)

Great Neck, New York

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David Kahn Obituary

Name: Funeral service
Start: 2024-01-25T17:00:00
End: 2024-01-25T17:45:00
Location: Riverside Nassau North Chapels

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David Kahn (Great Neck, New York), who passed away on January 23, 2024, at the age of 93, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of David Kahn to pay them a last tribute.

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7 people wrote a message from the heart

January 26, 2024

Elonka Dunin wrote a sympathy message

“I was very sad to hear of David's passing. The importance and influence of his book "The Codebreakers" cannot be overstated. It is the gold standard in classical cryptography. I would occasionally see him at the NSA Cryptologic History Symposium, and one of my proudest moments was when I saw him in the audience for one of my own talks, and he later told me that he liked it! He was always very encouraging, and will be deeply missed.”

January 25, 2024

Tony Patti wrote a sympathy message

“12 years ago I founded/created the LinkedIn Group “Cryptographers and Cryptanalysts” which has now grown to more than 13,900 cryptography-enthusiasts around the world, and in my group, David’s book is still cited and recommended (especially by me) when new folks ask where to start their own cryptologic journey… Tony Patti (message #2)”

January 25, 2024

Tony Patti wrote a sympathy message

“David Kahn, and specifically his book “The Codebreakers” changed my life! I had the honor of meeting David, in NSA’s William F. Friedman auditorium, when he was NSA’s scholar-in-residence, during a cryptologic history event, organized by the National Cryptologic Foundation. I should also credit David being a founding editor of the Journal Cryptologia which I also read avidly. Tony Patti (message #1)”

January 24, 2024

Tom Perera wrote a sympathy message

“David was a pioneer and a shining light in the field of cryptohistory. His books led others to study and expand upon his groundbreaking research and his classical works were the underpinnings of much of the work that followed. He wrote in a style that was accessible to fellow historians as well as the public at large and he brought history to life while explaining it with great clarity and detail. We were honored to have David join us at the 2014 symposium on cryptohistory... Tom Perera”

January 24, 2024

Mark Baldwin wrote a sympathy message

“An inspiring man, through books and websites. Although I never met him (face to face) he was always helpful and wonderfully knowledgeable whenever I contacted. him The crypto community will certainly miss him, but will always be grateful for his achievements. Thank you, David!”

January 24, 2024

Nils Kopal (N1K0M0) wrote a sympathy message

“Though I never personally met Mr. David Kahn, his pioneering work in 'historical cryptology' profoundly influenced our field. His seminal book, 'The Codebreakers', inspired countless individuals in the study of cryptology. In this time of loss, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. Mr. Kahn's legacy is indelible in the cryptology community; his contributions will continue to inspire and guide future generations. We are deeply grateful for his life and work.”

January 24, 2024

Fran Dresden wrote a sympathy message

“Wonderful clear writer and a great story-teller, who went through quite a lot of criticism early on. His shining integrity and love for the work he was engaged in stands as a lasting and inspiring example to all.”