Albert Samuel Cohen

Albert S. Cohen, longtime resident of Gary, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois, and recent resident of Las Vegas, died peacefully November 13, 2023, at his home in Las Vegas. Albert was 98 and lived life each day his way.

Born in Chicago, Albert was a marine who served proudly and valiantly in World War II, fighting his way through the Pacific. His brother, Joseph Cohen, died at 20 in the war in the Battle of the Bulge. Albert married the love of his life, Shirley (Alterwitz), and they had two children, Joseph Cohen and Devi Leiner (Ron Leiner). Shirley died 60 years ago, and Albert, a young widow, then raised his children as a single father, never remarrying. Joseph and Devi also predeceased Albert.

Albert owned a furniture store - Union United - in downtown Gary for 59 years to customers who loved him. He was held up more than a dozen times over the decades at the store, but was never scared or bitter. Upon his retirement at age 89 and closing the store, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman presented him the key to the city.

Albert is survived by four grandchildren, Sammy Cohen, Anne Cohen, Jesica Berger (Adam Schwartz), and Alexis Berger (Catherine Berger), and six great grandchildren (Justin Mocadam, Ariel Mocadam, Livia Schwartz (8), Avi Schwartz (5), Meyer Berger (3), and Asher Berger (6 mos)).

Funeral service is Friday, November 17 at 11:00 am at the Burns Kish funeral home, 5840 Hohman Avenue, Hammond, Indiana. Burial will immediately follow at Congregation Beth El cemetery at 2700 Willowdale Road, Portage, Indiana.

Donations in his memory can be made to Friends of the IDF at support.fidf.org.