Obituary for David “Dave” Cohen David ‘Dave’ Cohen, 98, of Lewistown, entered into eternal rest at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 18, 2018 at Ohesson Manor Nursing Home. Born on October 31, 1919 in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late Israel and Tillie (Gordon) Cohen. Dave was also preceded in death by his brother Arnold Cohen who was a casualty of World War II, sisters Yetta Harris, Sylvia Salzman, Esther Harris, and Ida Zipkin, and grandson Benjamin Rush.
Dave is survived by his wife of 74 years Miriam (Brown) Cohen, and children Linda McKeever of York PA, Phyllis Johnson and husband James of Lewistown, Arna Rush and husband Timothy of Newport PA, sisters Miriam Bernstein and Lillian Schifren both of Rochester NY, grandchildren Jeffrey Johnson of Yeagertown, Daniel Johnson of Jersey City NJ, Leah Keilman and husband Scott of Pittsburgh PA, and great-grandchildren Pandora and Cheyenne Johnson, Tova, Hendrick and Bellamy Keilman, Elli Rush and Lynzee Navarria and husband Michael of Lewistown. Dave was a veteran of World War II having served in England, France and Italy. Upon returning home he founded a successful scrap metal business in Batavia, NY with his brother-in-law Philip Zipkin.
When that partnership ended Dave moved with his family to Lewistown in 1964 where, in affiliation with Sitkin Smelting & Refining, he founded Wasco Corp. Dave was then employed by Sitkin to develop their precious metals division. Dave retired from Sitkin Smelting & Refining in 1981.
He then opened Sterling Silver and Coin on Valley Street where he enjoyed his daily contact with many local individuals and businesses until his retirement in 2006 at the age of 86. Before moving to Lewistown, Dave was active in the Batavia NY Lions Club serving in all executive positions and sang in their men’s chorus The Lionaires. In Lewistown Dave was active in Ohev Shalom Synagogue where he also served in all executive positions.
He was a member of the Lewistown Country Club, the American Legion, Kiwanis, and The Council of Christians and Jews. Dave was an avid golfer who enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren the game. He was a committed family man, a wonderful husband and father, and a good friend to many.
He will be forever loved and missed. His funeral service will be held at The Barr Funeral Home Inc, 120 Logan Street, Lewistown at 10:00 a.m. on Friday July 20, 2018 with Rabbi Astrachen officiating with Interment following at Ohev Shalom Cemetery. Following the funeral, the family will welcome family and friends in the multi-purpose room until 3:00 p.m. In keeping with the Jewish tradition, the family will observe a period of Shiva at the family room at Ohesson Manor Nursing Home.
Family and friends may continue to make condolence visits on Saturday July 21 and Sunday July 22, from 10 :00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Macular Degeneration Foundation Inc. P.O. Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515, The American Heart Association 1019 Mumma Rd, Wormleysburg, PA 17043, or a charity of one’s choice.
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