Stanley Cohen, a retired law books salesman, died of heart failure in his sleep Thursday at Atrium Village in Owings Mills. The Mondawmin area resident was 84.

Born in Baltimore, he lived nearly all his life on Liberty Heights Avenue. He was a 1940 City College graduate and earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park.

He served in the Navy during World War II.

Mr. Cohen was a representative of McGraw-Hill's Shepard Law Books division and earlier held other sales positions.

The organizer and president of the Druid Hill Tennis Club, he spent much of his leisure time playing at Druid Hill Park's clay courts.

His son, Jeff Cohen, a playwright and theater director who lives in New York City, based his 2005 play Men Of Clay on his father and friends.

Actor Danton Stone played a character based on Mr. Cohen.

Mr. Cohen was a member of the Trenton Democratic Club, and he was a friend of famed Baltimore political boss Jack Pollack and his son, Morton.

A sports fan, he was a Baltimore Colts season ticket holder and belonged to the Orioles Designated Hitters. He was a volunteer who booked pregame events for the Bowie Baysox at Prince George's Stadium.

He was an avid dancer and musician.

Graveside services were held Sunday.

In addition to his son, survivors include another son, Robb Cohen of Atlanta; and a sister, Claire Blumberg of Baltimore. His marriage ended in divorce.