Ernest Allen "Ernie" Cohen

Ernest Allen "Ernie" Cohen obituary, Tucson, AZ

Ernest Cohen Obituary

Ernest Allen "Ernie" Cohen passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 in his home in Tucson, Arizona. Born May 24, 1937, Ernie was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Originally from Brooklyn, he and his wife, Marsha, reared three children in Teaneck, New Jersey before moving to Tucson in 1986. In Teaneck he served as President of the Teaneck Political Assembly, a non-partisan organization, which worked for good government. He ran as a Democratic candidate for State Assembly in New Jersey, and although he lost the election, he beat his opponent, the mayor of Teaneck, in the town of Teaneck. Ernie and Marsha were avid travelers together, visiting six continents and over fifty countries. Ernie was a graduate of NYU's School of Commerce, now the Stern School, where he served as a student leader and delegate to the all-University Federation. He was a delegate to the National Students Association and attended its annual meeting in Minneapolis where he met his wife of 56 years, Marsha, who was a delegate from NYU's Washington Square College. He turned down Harvard Law School to stay in New York to attend New York University Law School where he graduated first in his class in 1959. He was an associate at Proskauer, Rose, Goetz, and Mendelsohn, and left after several years to found his own firm, Cohen and Berman, which later expanded and was recognized as one of the premier boutique law firms in New York. He was a champion of organized labor, and was recognized as a leading maritime labor attorney. He achieved the Bar Association rating of AV Preeminent, which was a testament to the fact that his peers ranked him at the highest level of professional excellence. He was counsel for the Radio Officers Union and the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots. He was a delegate in International Maritime Organization of the United Nations. While in New York, he taught legal practice at NYU Law School. One snowstorm too many led Ernie and Marsha to move to Tucson, where he continued to practice law and travel extensively on behalf of maritime labor. He introduced a course in negotiations at the Rogers College of Law where he taught for several years. About 13 years ago, he began taking courses at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Arizona. Together with his law school classmates and close friend for years Ken Greenfield, he introduced a course on Great Trials of the Centuries, which continued to run for 12 years and was one of the most popular courses at OLLI. He was a strong supporter of the State of Israel, traveling there four times, and served as President of the Desert Caucus, the largest regional political action committee in the United States, which supports candidates for Congress who have a positive voting record with regard to the US-Israel relationship. Ernie is survived by his wife, Marsha, as well as their three children, Fern Billet of Philadelphia, PA, Dorrian Fragola and Saul Cohen, both of Boston, MA. Ernie also has six grandchildren, Lara and Zachary Billet, Remington and Nicholas Fragola and Josh and Noah Cohen. He was an avid hiker and founder of the group called the "Seekers." He loved to snorkel, and was devoted to his standard poodle, Annika. He doted on his six grandchildren, Lara and Zachary (Fern and Bob Billet), Remy and Nicholas (Dorri and Dean Fragola) and Josh and Noah (Saul and Jenai Cohen) and made frequent trips back east to celebrate birthdays and holidays. He and his wife took their grandchildren on trips to Europe, the Caribbean, Mt. Rushmore, Hawaii and Orlando. Ernie was an eternal optimist. A Memorial Service will be held at the Jewish Community Center at 3:00 p.m., on Friday, January 10, 2014. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Jewish Federation or the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arizona. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, www.evergreenmortuary-cemetery.com

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Cohen

Not sure what to say?





Dear Marsha,
Although I can't explain why, for the past month or so I have been thinking about you and Ernie often. I tried calling you but the number I had was not good, so I googled Ernest Allen Cohen and was so sad to find that he had died in January. My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember well that you were a couple who was truly in love. I would really like the chance to speak with you, if that is possible.
My heartfelt sympathies and thoughts go out to you.
Fondly,
Mimi

Mimi (Berman) Paperman

April 14, 2014

Marsha, the Santa Catalina Estates board sends our deepest sympathy to you. He was a treasure and will be missed.
Rachel Barker, sec.

Rachel Barker

January 15, 2014

A terrible loss. He was so dynamic , astute and enthusiastic.
Our condolences
Goldie & Izzy Shapiro

January 15, 2014

Fern Billet and Family - so sorry for your loss of your father. I am thinking of you and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Be at peace!

Al Sipple

January 14, 2014

Dear Marsha,
I was so very sad to hear about Ernie. Ernie was a wonderful generous caring man with a huge heart. He was a fantastic father and a wonderful role model to his children and to me as well. You have a special loving family that will give you peace and comfort. My deepest condolences to you, Saul, fern, and Dorrie. Much love to you and your family

Jordana Pack (Napurano)

January 14, 2014

Our deepest sympathies. Ernie will be missed for his friendship, intellect and joy he brought all of us who had the honor to know him.

Peter & Patti Strauss

January 10, 2014

Dear Marsha: I am so sadden about Ernie's passing. I will miss him very much at OLLI.

Jeanette Thompson

January 9, 2014

Dear Marsha, We were all shocked and saddened by Ernie's passing. He was such a wonderful loving person, sharing so much excitement about your family and all the trips you all shared. We all loved when you sat on the patio after your hike in Catalina state park. Steve and I (Claire), Birdie and Andy send our heartfelt condolences and hope all the beautiful memories you shared will bring you and family strength. The Claire's Cafe family

January 9, 2014

To Marsha and the rest of the family……..
Please accept our most sincere condolences from Jane and myself.
Ernie was a warm , passionate and charitable person who was a great leader who will be sorely missed by all of his family, friends and colleagues. He did many things during his extraordinary life. His life was a blessing.

Bruce Ash

January 9, 2014

Marsha,

My name is Marc Feldstein. I am the son of Jay and Judi Feldstein. They told me of Ernies untimely passing and I am very sorry for your loss.

My parents spoke often and fondly about you and Ernie. They have told me more than once that you guys were one of the main reasons they looked forward to getting back to Tucson every fall!

I feel so sad that this has happened and I wish you the best.

Love,

Marc, Mindi, and my daughter Carolyn

Marc Feldstein

January 9, 2014

Marsha,
I am so sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. He was a true gentleman. I will always remember him fondly. He loved you dearly and I know you will miss him.

Andrew Levy

January 9, 2014

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Ernest Cohen's name

Memorial Events
for Ernest Cohen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Evergreen Mortuary, Cemetery & Crematory - Tucson

3015 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85705

How to support Ernest's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ernest Cohen's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more