Ronald B. Cohen

May 17, 1934-August 1, 2024

Ronald Bert Cohen lived by the words he professed. He continually strived to do what he believed benefited the people at his business, in the community and in his family – and in return he felt blessed to have lived an extraordinary life.

For Ron, each day was guided by values and filled with laughter. Integrity and honesty ran in his bloodstream and jokes were his oxygen. From the time he learned to talk until his very last breath, Ron greeted everyone with a witty line. He wanted nothing more than to make others chuckle and smile.

Born and raised in Youngstown, his parents were Sarah and Hyman Cohen. Ron was the youngest and most spoiled of four children. He battled asthma and severe allergies as a toddler, an experience which seems to have armed him with a fierce perseverance to overcome any obstacle in his path.

Ron earned his bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and his law degree from Cleveland State University. He began his accounting career in Dallas, but soon relocated into the "Best Location in the Nation" – Cleveland. He developed a reputation of excellence as a partner at Cohen, Epstein, Howard & Karns and at JK Lasser. When a Big 8 firm bought out JK Lasser, Ron was offered a prestigious title, a corner office and a cushy salary – but that firm did not have the same passion for entrepreneurship as Ron– so naturally he declined. In 1977, Ron started with nothing and risked everything to found Cohen & Company. The firm began with a handful of employees and has grown into a national powerhouse with twelve offices in seven states. Cohen & Company is an award winning organization providing outstanding services in Assurance, Advisory and Tax.

Ron stamped his creative personality onto the accounting profession. He enthusiastically promoted SQIF – Service, Quality, Innovation and Fun. He empowered his employees, expertly advised his clients and made a practice of "under promising and over delivering". Shaped by Ron's philosophies, Cohen & Company is recognized for its steadfast adherence to the highest ethical principles, support of community causes and an upbeat work culture. Ron dedicated himself to making Cohen & Company the best – and in an effort to ensure the firm would thrive far into the future --he stepped aside as Managing Partner in his prime at just 56 years old. He had the vision and wisdom to understand that success is sustained through the development of young leadership. He did not just welcome younger people with new ideas and fresh perspectives -- he actively created opportunities for fledglings to develop their wings. In the years that followed, he relished the accomplishments of those who came after him.

Ron was honored on numerous occasions for achievements in and advocacy for small business and entrepreneurship. The Ohio Society of CPAs recognized Ron as one of the most influential Certified Public Accountants in the state. He testified before Congress on small business and tax issues on multiple occasions. Ron received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Corporate Growth. Over the years he was bestowed with top honors from Ohio's Accountant Advocate, Cleveland Chapter of ORT, Crain's Cleveland Business and other organizations. With support from his firm and family, The City Club of Cleveland established the Ronald B. Cohen Forum on Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Ron is well known in Northeast Ohio for his contributions to civic groups and non-profit agencies. He served on the boards and committees of The Maltz Museum, Ohio Society of CPA, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank, Jewish Community Federation, Greater Cleveland Partnership and countless other organizations

To say that Ron was an avid sports fan would be a tremendous understatement. He was a sports-aholic. He rooted relentlessly for Cleveland sports teams and the OSU Buckeyes-- always following every play of every game. Ron wanted others to join his fandom. He co-founded the Wahoo Club and started one the first Fantasy Football leagues in the area. Every year on Opening Day of the Cleveland baseball season – he closed Cohen & Company and treated everyone to an afternoon at the ballpark – a pretty bold move for an accounting firm just a week or two before the April 15th tax deadline. Ron wasn't just a spectator – he considered himself and athlete, as well.. He loved swinging the bat at the softball field and swinging the clubs on the golf course.

Ron was grateful for many aspects of his life –but anyone who spent time with him knew immediately that his family was the center of his universe. He and his late wife Marilyn were married for 63 years. Each of his three daughters, three son in-laws and eight grandchildren felt his positive presence throughout their lives. His two darling great grandsons will undoubtedly grow up hearing many stories about their amazing great grandpapa. Ron enjoyed traveling with his family. Summer road trips were fast- paced adventures – sometimes eating breakfast, lunch and dinner in three different states. In his later years he traveled internationally with Marilyn. Iceland 's stunning and unique topography made it his favorite destination. Thanksgiving was Ron's most beloved holiday and he often planned elaborate celebrations months in advance. The day that combined his two favorites of food and gratitude always held a special place in his heart.

Ron completed his circle of life fully content without regrets. He never followed in anyone's footsteps because he was always the one blazing the trail. He certainly left a path for others to follow. All are invited to honor Ron's legacy by ACTING WITH INTEGRITY, WORKING TIRELESSLY, LAUGHING HARDILY, AND DEEPLY APPRECIATING EVERY BLESSING. Donations may be made in Ron's memory to The Cohen Community Foundation, B'Nai Jeshurun Congregation, The City Club of Cleveland, The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and The Maltz Museum.

Tam

Loving father of Tammy (Scott) Wise, Robbin (Harold) Cohen Gross, Heidi (Rick) Solomon. Devoted grandfather of Hannah (Ben) Wise, Ethan (Adrien) Wise, Louiza Wise, Rachel Gross, Michael (Jenna) Gross, Johnny Gross, Daniel (Erin) Solomon, AJ Solomon, and great grandfather of Marlow Ganon, and David Solomon. Dear brother of the late Lou (Florence) Cohen, Libby (Leo) Klar and Edith (Moe) Yutkin. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held Sunday, August 4 at 11 AM at the BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL 1985 S. Taylor Rd. Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118. PRIVATE family interment at Bet Olam Cemetery. Shiva will be held at the home of Tammy and Scott Wise at 3094 Corydon, Cleveland Heights, SUNDAY from 2pm to 7pm.