Gerald S. Cohn

Gerald Stanley Cohn was born on October 25,1932 to Irving and Joan Cohn. Gerry as he was called was raised in Springfield, Illinois. Gerry was an eternal optimist and an extrovert who never met a stranger, character traits, that served him well over the years. Gerry enjoyed Bowling and later Bridge and was extremely competitive in both. During his youth he was highly active in scouting ultimately earning the Eagle Scout award.

Gerry competed in Math contests for his high School and in his Senior Year he entered the City-Wide contest for the University of Chicago. He won first place, and a scholarship to that school. But he had his heart set on University of Michigan, so he traded awards with a third-place contestant who needed the scholarship and happily took home a drafting set.

Gerry did attend the University of Michigan and after a brief but painful semester in Engineering was urged to switch to a degree in Business and a minor in Economics. He excelled in these programs and graduated with honors. After College Gerry served in The United States Army as military attaché to a Colonel at SHAPE Headquarters in Paris, France. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal.

After his military service Gerry’s career started in retail sales, evolved into store management, and from there to sales representative at IBM. He ultimately found his true calling as a financial advisor and was one of the first people to take the course to become a Certified Financial Planner. He always put his clients first. He earned several awards, including being a member of Chairman’s Council at Prudential Securities and winning the Wachovia Way Award at Wachovia Securities. This award is rarely given and is bestowed upon a person who embodies the ethical practice of financial planning and who mentors others within the firm. But most importantly they must be a leader in their community and give generously of their time, talent and fortune to improve the lives of others. Gerry was one of only 24 people out of 8000 to ever receive this award at that time.

Gerry was always a strong supporter of charities, serving as Treasurer of Temple Beth El, President of Golden Manor and President of Jewish Family Services. He founded and was President of the San Antonio Youth Soccer Organization. He also gave freely of his time and taught Junior Achievement to high school students in at risk districts.

But what mattered most to Gerry was his family. He was a loving father and an active and much-loved grandfather. 7 years ago, Gerry married his third wife, Sylvia Guzman Cohn. They shared an incredibly special love, one that endured sickness and injury. Gerry always said that Sylvia was the love of his life.

Gerry is survived by his children, Jeri Moravits and husband Timothy, David Cohn and wife Lisa, Mariza Guzman-Semegran, and Dr. Vivian Gersuk and husband Geoffery. He will be mourned by his many grandchildren, Heather Smith and partner Zach Gulde, Richard Moravits, Katherine Anderson and husband Grant, Danielle Cohn, Austin Watkins, Sara Moravits, Rebecca Moravits and fiancé Joseph, Mia Semegran, and Sophia Semegran. He is also survived by great-grandson Ryan Gulde and nieces, Yudith Cohn and Karen Cohn.

The family wishes to give thanks to Mary Moga-Jarda and all the staff at Senior Haven Assisted Living for the excellent care they provided to Gerry.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the future when it is safe to gather.

A memorial service will be livestreamed on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in his name be made to The Alzheimer’s Association. May his memory be a blessing.