Uncle Michael was a man that everyone loved. He was a great man, and a mensch. He loved my grandfather(Jack) dearly; they took care of each other. He also took great care of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He always acknowledged and remembered every cousin, every relative, every person...in our (Cohen) family. Uncle Michael found the good in every person (family or not). That is what made him a mensch.

My dad, Michael Cohen, was one of a kind.  He was devoted to his family and friends.  He was also service oriented, giving his time and expertise to the many organizations to which he belonged - his lodge, his synagogue, his homeowners' association.  He was honored many times for his contributions.  He was also very humble, never seeking the spotlight but getting it for his actions.  His devotion to family, both immediate and extended was evident in everything he did.  He loved my mother so much and so proud of their long marriage. Everyone could see how much they loved each other.  He loved me and my sisters and wanted the best for us always.  He also loved my husband and his family as his own.  Of course the grandchildren were sources of great pride for him.  He will be remembered for his kind, gentle spirit by everyone who knew him.

Michael Cohen was my father.  He was the most honest, responsible person I ever knew.  He dedicated his life to his friends and family.  He gave his time and money to anyone who needed it.  He was devoted to his wife, my mother Pauline, and cared for her until her death. My dad had a great sense of humor throughout his life.   He was loved by many people and had no enemies.  He  was a "true gentleman" until his death.  He will be missed.

I never met Uncle Mike, only spoke with him once or twice on the phone. We were trying to arrange a meeting as my wife Diana & I went to Ike Cohen's to visit Dora Dostis Cohen. I remember his kind voice of regret coming right through the receiver. Actually, the regret was mine. Isaak Dostis

Uncle Mike was a special man. He was dedicated to his family and friends. He was always nice to us and everyone around him. He often gave good advice to my father, Lou, and helped him in many ways as he did for everyone in the family. He always lighted a candle for him at the Synagogue each year after his death without missing it once. He was the one that remembered all family occasions and Pauline and him were at every one of them.
Among things so nicely portrayed at the Funeral in Eulogies from Elyse, Judy and Michael he was also a huge Yankee fan and followed them forever faithfully.
We all will miss you as we celebrated your life throughout the many years. We will always remember you for the wonderful, thoughtful, considerate, kind and beautiful person you were. Lechaim (to life) as he would want it for us. We love you Uncle Mike.

Let us celebrate the life of our beloved Uncle Michael. He will be remembered as a role model as husband to our Aunt Pauline, father to Phyllis, Elise and Judy, grandparent, and uncle.  Uncle Michael lived a good life, always knew what was the right thing to do was. He touched many lives and will missed dearly, yet we should find happiness that he was able to touch many lives in so positive a manner. We love you Uncle Michael,

On behalf of the Sephardic Jewish Center of Canarsie, we mourn the loss of our past president, Michael Cohen.   

Michael Cohen along with his wife Pauline who predeceased him, were one of the few couples who served as president of congregation and sisterhood.  They were co-chairmen of the very successful and famous Sephardic weekends among other events on behalf of our congregation.

Mike was president at my Bar Mitzvah at the Sephardic Jewish Center of Canarsie in 1977.

Mike Cohen served with distinction in various capacities as board member, chief financial officer, vice-president, president and chairman of the board of our kahal.  He was involved in all things Sephardic.  He was president of the Broome and Allen Boys Camp and Scholarship Fund in the 1970s and 80s.  He encouraged me to apply for an academic scholarship when I started college in 1981.  His life and legacy were an encouragement to many, including myself.

Jeff Beja
President,
Sephardic Jewish Center of Canarsie

OBITUARY

Michael Cohen

July 31, 1916 – April 12, 2014

Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services