Gabriel Shane Cohen

Gabriel Shane Cohen, 38, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 16, 2023. Gabriel is survived by his wife Hannah, son Gabriel Shane, II (13), daughters Eden Grace (10) and Olive Mae (9); his parents Sammy and Dana, Brother Daniel (Melissa, Abigail, Josiah, Isaac, and Caleb); In-laws, George and Patty and Hannah's siblings and their children.
Gabriel (Gabe) was born on February 23, 1985, in Norfolk. He attended Norfolk Christian Schools through high school, graduating in 2003. He went on to attend George Mason University where he graduated with his BA in Government and International Politics with a minor in Legal Studies in 2007. He met his wife Hannah in his third year at George Mason and they were married on June 24, 2007, in a gorgeous ceremony surrounded by family and friends in Virginia Beach. They were blessed with three beautiful children.
Gabriel was the baby of his family and was the happiest child, full of big smiles with adorable dimples. He had an idyllic childhood surrounded by loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more friends than anyone could imagine. He was born with a natural talent for sports and in his youth he focused on baseball. Playing T-ball, Little, and Pony Leagues at the Lynnhaven Baseball fields, going on to play American Legion. During his time at Norfolk Christian, he played JV and Varsity Baseball (Captain), Varsity Basketball, and Varsity Volleyball, culminating in the award for Male Athlete of the Year in 2003. While at Norfolk Christian HS, Gabriel sang in Chorus and Windsong, participated in many clubs (Bio-Eco, Snow, Spanish, Surf, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and was elected to the student council several times and was very proud of the years he served as summer athletic camp counselor for a program, Kids Into Fun & Fitness (KIFF). Gabriel then carried his servant's heart, and his passion for sharing the love of Jesus Christ, to George Mason, where in addition to attending school, he joined Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). It was here that Gabriel made lifelong friendships, led worship and Bible studies, and mentored and counseled new students. He served on a missions trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and spent a summer learning and spreading the gospel in San Diego.
After college, Gabriel began his search for a career, working in the Restaurant Industry for 7 years (Chili's, Café Moka, Waterman's) before discovering his true calling in Marketing. He worked for Seventh Point in VA Beach for almost 3 years before making one of the biggest changes of his life, moving to Chicago in 2016, where he truly excelled in Marketing and Digital Media at Starcom, Mindshare, and finally at Magnite. At 37 he became Director of Agency Development at Magnite, a huge accomplishment for someone his age, but a true testament to his dedication and talent.
However, no one would ever doubt Gabriel's true passion and ultimate focus, his family. He was a devoted husband and father to his children. He loved nothing more than being in their presence. Gabe loved to cook for his family and included his children in the process. They bonded over making meals together and enjoying the results. Gabriel learned gardening from his grandfather and carried on the tradition, even in Chicago, where the weather could be a challenge for plants. His family made deep connections at their church and were surrounded by many friends, who shared camping trips and many special events both hosted in their home and outside in their community. Gabriel's family made frequent trips to VA in summer and winter, to spend time with immediate family, as well as, extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Gabriel's servant's heart knew no bounds, but the never-ending love he had for his wife, children, and his whole family will be his forever legacy that will sustain us until we meet again.
John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Gabriel's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 25th, at 11:00 am, with the family receiving guests at 10:00 am, at Altmeyer Funeral Home in Virginia Beach (5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462). A family graveside service will follow at Colonial Grove Memorial Park. Followed by a reception at 2:00 pm at Altmeyer.
Flowers may be sent directly to the funeral home or donations may be made in Gabriel's honor to CRU at give.cru.org.