Gerald Charles "GC" Cohen

On August 30, 2025 at the age of 95 (and a half!) Gerald Charles “GC” Cohen lost a well-fought battle against old age. According to him, the first 93 were easy but it was the last couple that were tough!

GC was many things throughout his life – husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, scrap dealer, veteran, traveler, artist, welder, cancer survivor and the list goes on. Born the fourth of ten children to Sam and Sarah Cohen in 1930, he was a proud member of the Brith Shalom Congregation throughout his life. A handsome devil by most accounts, including his own, he was a ladies man and confirmed bachelor until in walked Martha Mulligan and that, as the saying goes, was that. Married, they soon added Kelly, Sarah, David and Ellen and the Cohen Family was set. From the beginning to the very end, GC’s love of his family was unfailingly steadfast and his number one priority. “What time does the Cohen Family eat dinner every night?” If the phone ever rang between 6:00-6:30 heaven help the person – both caller and recipient!

He cultivated many interests throughout his life and never tired of learning. Having ideas that only GC could have come up with, he took a welding course and set about designing and creating elaborate sculptures that he gifted to his family. As his skill increased, so did the complexity, and weight, of his creations often much to chagrin of the movers that transported them! He had a scrapbook of photos and would proudly show off his work.

But of all his many interests, cooking was his true passion. He cooked everything from the simplest dishes to the most elaborate (and there were many) and each were a cause for celebration. His family and friends were the fortunate recipients of his enthusiasm and he passed on a love of cooking and many incredible recipes to his family. Sunday family dinners were tradition and only got better with each addition to the family and all of the friends that would join. There was always an extra seat and way too much food every time! Refried beans and Mexican food may not seem like a lasting legacy to most, but to his family, it means the world.

He had many experiences in his life and we’d be remiss in not mentioning his love of not only great food but of vodka, too! Upon watching the Queen’s jubilation several years ago, he announced “I was there.” Where? “At her coronation. The U.S. sent servicemen and I was one of them. Spent the night in the Tower of London.” Why? “Too much partying.” There were many adventures and cherished experiences we all had with GC! As Martha would say, we had a lot of fun!

GC will be incredibly missed by his wife of 62-years, Martha, children Kelly Cohen, Sarah and Brian Kaveney, David Cohen and Ellen and Bill Patterson. He also will be missed by his grandchildren Emily and Dan Skelton, Matthew and Miranda Kaveney, Elise and Cameron Knott and Julianna and Jerry McCormick, and step-grandchildren Alexandra and Eric Clark, Grayson and Caroline Patterson and Billie Patterson and her fiancée Nicholas Bachewicz. His family also included great grandchildren Elena, Mac, Brady and Tatum Skelton, Collins Kaveney, Carson, Beau, Luke and soon to arrive Eloise Knott, Harrison and Eleanor McCormick, Ford Patterson and Georgie Clark. He also leaves behind cherished sister, Shirley Lechtner, and sisters Joan Kramer and Maxine Cleary. He is preceded in death by brothers Harold, Maurice, Herbert and Robert, sisters Lois Lovi and Linda Slone and their spouses, brother-in-law Michael Mulligan and brother-in-law and friend, Louie Lechtner. He is also survived by countless nieces, nephews and friends. His family was, what he considered, his greatest accomplishment.

GC spent a lifetime living life on his terms and his quiet death, after a day spent with family, passed peacefully on his terms, too.

Private arrangements are entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 W. 10th Street, Erie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hamot Health Foundation 100 State St. Suite 510, Erie, PA 16507, with gifts going to support care for veterans in our community.

Send condolences to: www.BurtonQuinnScott.com