Joseph J. Cohen

May 02, 2010
This Wednesday, May 05, 2010, will mark the first anniversary of our losing you, Joe. Hard to believe a year has gone by since we lost you so unexpectedly. You were so much a part of our family, and we miss you terribly every day. You are always in our Hearts . We think about you all the time. You will always be with us, and we love you forever. We will continue the traditions you loved.

The Meltzer Family in Rockville,MD

I grew up across the street from Joey, and many summer evenings my brother Pete and I would hang out in the street goofing around, playing hockey, and being typical kids, waiting for our parents to call us in. I remember the way his Mom always called him "JOOOOOO-ey!" when it was time to go inside. Later, in high school, I got to be friends with his cousin Ricky and we would occasionally hang out in the evenings shooting the breeze and sweating in the unique summer heat of Pittsburgh. I was surprised and shocked when my Mom told me he had passed away. It didn't seem possible that the young, red headed, energetic, happy person I knew was gone. I miss you, Joey.

June 5. 2009
Joe's first Cousins Miriam, Allan, and Rachel Meltzer and Leah and Ricky Swearengin , miss him so very much. Our pain is great , and it is hard to believe that Joe is gone. We spent many a holiday together and spent many times in Pgh. and Maryland with him. He loved the outdoors and went camping with Leah and her friend, Kristy, quite often. He was a big part of our family and life will never be the same without him. He always loved coming to Deep Creek Lake with us for a few days. He loved his dogs, truck , and canoe. He also found a new joy in fishing.We enjoyed doing things and being with him and Camille. She would come with him to MD. sometimes. He would do anything for anyone. He had a big heart. He loved his Parent's home , and loved planting flowers, bushes, and making the outside of the house look beautiful. Joe, we miss you terribly. You will always be in our heart. We love you!

there are no words to really comfort such a loss, there is only the comfort of your friends and family who love and support you. i offer my love and support to you.

I was saddened to hear the passing of Joe. My greatest memories were playing street hockey after school and soccer with a eraser during our time at SAJS. You will always be in my thoughts.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Joey's family. You are in our prayers and we will miss him dearly. May God bless you and keep you during this most difficult time.

Most of my childhood memories involve my cousin Joey. He was a close friend of my family and he was a common fixture in my house.

He used to come over nearly daily, with Lucky Dog by his side. He taught me how to skate and play baseball. He brought pep and life into the house. Sometimes, he even brought in a little chaos in his loving 'Joe' way. I have so many fond memories of Joe and he'll always hold a special place in my heart.

It's devastating to know that I will not be able to see him again, especially for a man so young. It is still good to see from these messages that, even in his short life, he has touched so many people.

Every time I hear the song "Those Were The Days My Friend", I think of Joey. At birthday and Bar Mitzvah parties at Bimbo's - he HATED that song and used to hide under the table when it was played. Of course, that meant we requested it everywhere we were! He'll be missed -

though i haven't seen joe in a while i vividly remember many of the good times we had together whether it was watching "stripes" in the living room of our shared house or watching him hang on to a tree limb when his and sid's canoe flipped on the new river. always honest, positive, and helpful the world needs more "joes". you will be missed.

I am so sad to hear that the world has lost such a great person.Although I have not see Joe in over twenty years, I have some great memories going back to Colfax Elemetary School. I remember most his kindness,laughter,and big heart.I am truly sad that I had not seen him in such a long time,but am honored to have had such a great friend in my early years.Rest in peace my friend...

Sending my deepest condolences and much love to everyone touched by the loss of Joe. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

My first memory of Joe was when he walked into our office at WPIC delivering
airline tickets and he was in a hurry because Lucky Dog was waiting for him in the car…..from that day on, Joe Cohen became a great friend in my life….from our nights at Mitchell’s, to our nights on the Maynard’s third floor, to digging dirt to camping…we’ve shared countless “belly” laughs together over the years and I loved being with him.
When I think of him, he will always bring a smile to my face….”TO THE MOON ALICE” . …may you rest in eternal peace Joe….love you, fran

The first time I met Joe, I was struck by his energy, friendliness, and sense of humor. As I ran into Joe over the years at family gatherings, I was impressed by his growth and character. The world needs more people like Joe and is diminished by his death.

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

It has been 19 years since I have seen Joe. I worked with Joe along with Donna, Alice and Maureen at Apple and Apple. We were all very close for years and often think of those "good old days". He was a kind heart and really cared about the people in his life. I am sorry that I won't get the chance to see him again and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones. He truly was special.

I don't really think in terms of "how long" I have known Joe Cohen, but how well. Fortunately, the answer is, "very." Very, very, very well. And I was looking forward to knowing him better still.

The people who were touched by Joe were touched very deeply. I consider myself very fortunate to have been one of those people. I will miss him deeply, and often.

All the best, my dear friend.......

Our family will deeply miss Joe. He has been a true friend to me for nearly 20 years, to my wife for over 20, and will always be Uncle Joe to our daughter. He always had a big heart and a generous nature. As Gary said, Joe had a natural way of bringing camaraderie to those around him.
With Uncle Joe, we spent many nights camping under the stars building BIG campfires and laughing till the wee hours.
We played softball until we couldn't walk.
We canoed on the Clarion River and the New River. (Hold on to that tree Joe!)
We camped with the horses on Assateague. (Is this raft big enough for the ocean?)
Our hearts rose and fell with the Steelers, Penguins, Panthers and Pirates.
You were there for Abby's first camping trip at 6 months, you taught her to ice skate,
Lucky Dog showed Sadie how to hike in the woods.
Thank you Joe.

Camille, you were there too. Please stay strong and know you are loved as well. We are here for you too.

Joe Cohen loved and lived life. By now, my friend would be saying “Alright, enough with the sadness…celebrate my life” And that is what we will always do.

L'Chaim, my friend.

It has been many years since I"ve seen Joey. He and Lucky Dog were a staple in our group. He was a wonderful person and a true friend. Now heaven is a better place..

Joey, as I knew him his whole life, will be greatly missed. He was prince without airs, a down-to-earth fellow with a great spirit -- a real Pittsburgh guy.

A good person with a great personality. So sad about your passing, but know you are in a better place. Rest in Peace Joe

I knew Joe from the days when I worked at Apple and Apple, P.C. It was nice to see a smiling face come through the door towards the end of the day. Joe and lucky dog made several appearances. It's been a while since I've seen Joe, but I will miss him.

Love,

Mo

I will always remember the great times we had. Joe was one of a kind and he will be missed.
Gregg Tobin
Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, CA

My name is Gary Manko, a onetime bartender at Mitchells Tavern for many, many years. It’s where I first met and got to know Joe Cohen. In that line of work, one meets a lot of unsavory, demanding, and impolite personalities, but Joe Cohen was the absolute antidote for all those characters. He made my job a bit easier when he came in after a day of dealing with Pittsburgh traffic, shirt out, and ready for the champagne of beers. He was a special guy, and I felt a real kinship in his company. Joe was able to conjure a certain fellowship between strangers and tighten the bond between friends. It would be months at times since I had seen Joe, but I've thought of him often. Always wondering how he was, where he was, and hoping I'd get to see him once again. I'm truly saddened and angry that I won't get that chance. He continues to hold a special place in my heart. If it wasn’t for Joe, my wife and I would have never been able to adopt the greatest dog in the world. Casey was at a shelter and had no place to go. Joe took the dog in and introduced her to my wife and I, a wonderful friendship began. Joe was a true Pittsburgh guy, always supporting the teams that he loved, Mario Lemieux, Roberto Clemente, Maz, and all of the Steelers players were what he lived for. His marathon running was legendary and I think it was one of his life’s crowning achievements. He would show that marathon certificate of achievement to me every May and ask me if I can handle the rigors of the marathon this year. Each year I say no, too old and too fat. But since the Pittsburgh Marathon began again in 2009, I will enter the Pittsburgh marathon every year until I can no longer walk, and run it in Joe Cohen’s Memory hoping to finish it. I will miss you “Fedantenko”. Camille, please remain close to Julie and I, we can be your shoulder to cry on, the people to lift you up and a person to make you laugh. You are truly a genuinely wonderful person!

Although it has been almost 10 years since I last saw Joe, I was just thinking of him and his old beloved pet Lucky Dog last Saturday while I was out for a walk. His friendship and spirit left a mark in my life. I know there are so many others who will deeply miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I worked with Joe at the Apple & Apple Law Firm in the mid-80's. Sharon, Alice, and I have great memories of Joe, and all the goofing off, going out after work, he was just a joy! He was known to us as "Palumba" because of his love for plum pudding. Even though so long ago, it was like yesterday. He was lively, funny, and full of fun, with a kind heart, a really good person. My prayers are with Joe, and I pray that he is in heaven.

Joe, Though it has been many years, I'm sure that the old crew at Mitchell's is saddened immensely by your departure. I know that I am. Your Friend, Joe Stott

Joe, we will Love you forever, we miss you, love, Camille, Murphy & Samson