Albert Cohen

Longtime Oklahoma City resident Albert Cohen, 87, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2010, with Dorothy, his beloved wife of 59 years, at his side. Al was a remarkable man and a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. His compassion, character and wonderful sense of humor will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. Al left this world a better place through a life well- and admirably-lived.

Born to Eva and Morris Cohen on October 14, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York, Al was a first-generation American who proudly served his country during World War II as a radioman aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wake Island in the Pacific. He spoke often of his Navy days and amazed everyone throughout his life with his total recall of his fellow sailors’ names, timeline of ports, and exact dates of battles and events.

Al met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Vigadi, in 1951. He worked in retail sales with the Kaybee Corporation in several locations, ultimately settling in Oklahoma City in 1955. With Dorothy’s unwavering support, Al later “reinvented” himself by earning his commercial real estate license and establishing Cohen Realty Company, from which he retired in the late 80’s. Al’s retirement was an active one; he and Dorothy traveled extensively, and Al discovered his amazing talents at both oil painting and short story writing. He was a loyal OU Sooners fan to the very end.

Al was a pillar of the Oklahoma City Jewish community. He was an integral part of Emanuel Synagogue, which he served in every leadership capacity, including as president of the congregation; as a member of the “Minyanaires’ Club” through daily attendance at morning prayers; as a spirited fundraiser; and as substitute rabbi or cantor when the need arose. In 1972, Al was instrumental in creating the synagogue’s Israel Scholarship Program, which sends Emanuel high school students to Israel each summer and which lives on as a testament to his dedication to the State of Israel and to Judaism. He also was an active member of Congregation B’nai Torah in Boca Raton, Florida, where he and Dorothy spent winters for many years. In 2006, Al was thrilled to mark the 70th anniversary of his own Bar Mitzvah by serving as his grandson Sam’s Bar Mitzvah partner at Congregation Beth Yeshurun in Houston, TX.

Al gave generously of himself and delighted in sharing whatever he had with others. His generosity extended not only to his synagogues and to Israel, but also to anyone—friend, relative or stranger—who needed his help. He gave quietly, respectfully and with no expectation of repayment. The world is filled with people who benefited from Al’s giving nature.

Education and learning were of great importance to Al. Having missed the opportunity to pursue a college education, Al sought out learning experiences throughout his life. Whether attending Great Books discussion classes, studying religious texts at the synagogue or simply reading, Al enjoyed gaining knowledge and challenging his mind. He avidly supported his children’s and grandchildren’s education, resulting thus far in seven college and graduate degrees among them.

Al’s greatest passion by far was his family. He and Dorothy raised four children, three of whom survive him. Al was a devoted family man, taking an active and genuine interest in each family member’s life. He adored Dorothy, who truly was his soulmate and whose loving care clearly prolonged his health and his life. Al was a tremendous role model as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, and that legacy will live on through his family. Although we will miss him every day, we are so blessed to have had him with us for such a long time.

Al was preceded in death by his parents and by his son, Brian Elliot Cohen. In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Al is survived by his sisters, Norma Steinberg and Arlene Kamer, of New York; daughters, Karen Cohen Buchine, Donna Cohen (husband Mitch Sirotkin), all of Houston, and Nancy Cohen, of Edmond, OK; beloved grandchildren, Brent and Heather Buchine, of Boston, and Sam Sirotkin, of Houston; and great-grandsons, Nathan Scott and Ryan Elliot Buchine, who were the newest apples of Al’s sparkling blue eyes. Al also greatly loved his many nieces and nephews, taking joy in their accomplishments and beautiful families.

The Cohen family is deeply grateful to Al’s beloved health care workers from Senior Care Services, notably Mary Biggs, Bonnie Burnett and Tori Robinson, who have become family over the past year. Our sincere appreciation goes to the staff at Epworth Villa and to Drs. Phillip Adamson, Mohammed Ghani and Robert King, whose skillful care allowed us more precious time with Al. We will always be grateful to Rabbi Abby Jacobson, whose visits, study sessions and conversations Al so enjoyed and whose guidance and support have meant so much to our family.

Funeral services for Albert Cohen will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2010, at Emanuel Synagogue, 900 N.W. 47th Street (entrance on 46th Street, east of Western Ave.), Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Interment will follow at Emanuel Hebrew Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Al’s memory may be made to Emanuel Synagogue, to Nova Centre, 330 W. Danforth Blvd., Edmond, OK 73034, or to the charity of your choice.