J. Newton Cohen

J. Newton Cohen

SALISBURY - J. Newton Cohen, 83, of Salisbury, died on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010, at his home.

Born in Rowan County March 16, 1927, he was the son of the late Thomas Newton Cohen and Ruth Overman Cohen. Also preceding him in death was a daughter, Deborah Jean Cohen, who died at birth. He was educated in Rowan County schools and attended North Carolina State University.

Mr. Cohen was owner and founder of J. Newton Cohen Heating and Air Conditioning in Salisbury.

He served on the Rowan County Board of Commissioners for 16 years, nine of which he served as chairman. The Rowan County Administration Building on West Innes Street is named in his honor.

He was a longtime Commissioner for the Central N.C. Council for Boy Scouts of America and was an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 413. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, scouting's highest honor.

He was a former Jaycee and Mason, a board member for the Rowan County Planning Board and a former trustee for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Mr. Cohen was also a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Horah Cohen; two sons, Jim Cohen (Vicki) of Trinity, Tommy Cohen (Lori) of Salisbury; and a daughter, Robin Cohen, also of Salisbury. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Meghann Cohen Robinson, Caroline Cohen Davey, Mary Chandler Cohen, Laurel Elizabeth Cohen and Daniel Thomas Cohen. A brother, Billy Lee Cohen, and sister, Alice Cohen Waddell, both of Salisbury, survive. His beloved Weimaraner, Tinker Bell, also survives.

Visitation: The family will see friends Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Summersett Funeral Home.

Service: Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Rhodes Woolly, pastor, officiating.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144; or the Central N.C. Council of Boy Scouts of America.