GLOUCESTER — Dr. Bernard "Bernie" S. Cohen died Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 at the age 94.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Gloria; his daughters, Robin and Susan, Susan's husband Edwin Cowart; daughter-in-law, Kate Seidman; step-daughter, Valerie Gilman and her husband Paul. He was predeceased by his first wife, Sylvia; his son, Mitch; and his son-in-law, Steve Viator.
Bernie lived his adult life in Gloucester. He spent his career as a dentist downtown. His patients remember him fondly. Bernie cared deeply about politics, the arts, his Judaism and his family. Bernie was an exceptional intellect; foreign languages, English prose and math were second nature to him.
Bernie was a devoted reader of the Gloucester Daily Times and the Boston Globe with his wife Gloria until his death. Collecting art was perhaps one of his greatest joys. He spent many hours wandering museums, antique shops and galleries, researching topics and veraciously reading anything he could find about art and its origins. An amateur painter himself, Bernie had an amazing eye for discovering talented artists.
Bernie was a gifted writer, dabbling in poetry and helping his children and grandchildren with their grammar. Bernie was a longtime member of Temple Ahavat Achim in Gloucester where he was Temple President. He participated this year in the rededication event.
Bernie is survived by his grandchildren, Aaron and his wife Kate, Noah, Sasha, Sarah and Sam Cowart, Casey and Jared Gilman. He was loved by his nieces, nephews and his close friends who had become family through the years.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Temple Avahat Achim, 86 Middle St., Gloucester with Burial at Mount Jacob Cemetery in West Gloucester. Everyone is welcome to join the family at the home of Bernie and Gloria Cohen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bernard Cohen fund at the Cape Ann Historical Society. Arrangements by Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, Salem. www.stanetskyhymansonsalem.com.
