Michael Cohen

Michael Gary Cohen was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1939 and lived most of his life in the area. He graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1958 and the University of Miami in 1962 before joining the U.S. Coast Guard. He showed an early fascination with race cars and rock and roll music, interests that stayed with him throughout his life.

He worked as a traveling men’s clothing salesman for Richman Brothers where he was mentored by Bill Seldon who inspired Michael’s appreciation of fine art.

He met Barbara DeFabio (née Jodry) through his work with Carron Asphalt Paving and they were married in 1992. Michael was accepted enthusiastically by her four adult children and was an active part of their family, becoming a loving stepparent, grandparent, and great-grandparent. Retirement led Michael and Barbara to the west coast of Florida where they lived for fifteen years, making many new friends before returning to Cleveland in 2018 to be closer to family.

Michael was predeceased by his parents Hyman and Freda Cohen, and his younger sister Marilyn Shamblin, as well as her son Douglas Greenberg and her husband Clifton Shamblin. He is survived by his wife Barbara Cohen, and his children Flynn Cohen (Liz Simmons), Gwen Cohen (Ben Bayko), Angela Bambrick (James Bambrick), Kimberly Fiucci (Angelo Fiucci), Jami Balazs, and Christopher DeFabio; as well as fourteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, February 9th at the Four Seasons (Social Room) 26600 George Zeiger Dr., Bldg. 3 Beachwood 11-3PM.

Contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.