Bernhard “Bernie” Cohen, 81, of Thurmont, Maryland passed away Sunday, October 11, 2015 after a lengthy battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 6, 1934, along with a twin brother, George, in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Samuel and Gertrude (Nagler) Cohen. He was the husband of Roberta Ann (New) Cohen, to whom he was married for 59 years.
Raised by foster parents in the farm country west of Philadelphia, Bernie and his brother moved to southern New Jersey after their mother remarried. Upon graduating from Paulsboro (NJ) High School in 1952, Bernie served his country during the Korean War, first in the Naval Reserve, and then active duty with Utility Squadron Four, Chincoteague Naval Air Station as an Aviation Electronics Technician/Radioman. He was a recipient of the National Defense Ribbon for his duty during war time. After leaving the Navy, Bernie worked for State Farm Insurance Company as a computer operator/service technician. In 1996, after 40 years of service, he retired along with his wife Roberta to live out his twilight years enjoying his family. .
Bernie was a federally licensed amateur radio operator for 60 years. He held the call sign W3CAO, and spoke with fellow “Hams” all across the United States and around the world. A confirmed “do-it-yourselfer,” he rebuilt automobile engines in his shop, did general automotive repair, and all kinds of work around the house, including a finished basement. Another one of Bernie’s hobbies was his prized tomato garden, from which he shared the fruit of his labor with everyone. Bernie was active in Acacia Lodge #155, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Thurmont, Maryland, and served as Master of the Lodge in 1983, was Lodge Secretary for 27 years, and served in several other positions during his 46 years of membership. For more than 20 years, he taught new members of the Lodge the 1 st and 3 rd Masonic catechisms. A scholarship in Bernie’s honor will be awarded by the Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of American Legion Post #168 in Thurmont for 44 years. Bernie had fond memories of managing and coaching the Dodger Little League team in Thurmont with his neighbor, Dick Bowers in the late 60s and early 70s. Some of the players on his team still enjoyed talking with Bernie when they saw him out and about town, sharing fond memories of their past under his guidance and sportsmanship.
Surviving in addition to his wife, are son, John W. Cohen (Bonnie Saylor-Cohen) of Martinsburg, WV; daughter, MaryAnn Cohen of Thurmont; grandsons, Eric Dingle of Waynesboro, PA (Erin); John M. Cohen (Jen) of Thurmont; Jeremy and Joshua Cohen of Florida; granddaughter, Sarah Elvira Cohen of Martinsburg, WV; great-grandsons, Cody and Keagan Dingle and their mother Becky Replogle of St. Thomas, PA, Logan Dingle of Waynesboro, PA, Gavin Dingle of Waynesboro, PA, and Camden McDaniel of Martinsburg, WV; twin brother, George Cohen (Jackie) of Deptford, NJ; sister, Kathy Higbee (Bill) of Paulsboro, NJ; and many nieces and nephews. He is also remembered by his daughter-in-law’s sons, Dylan Saylor (Courtney) of Waynesboro, PA, Morgan Saylor (Tyler) and their new son Jacobi of Inwood, WV; special sister-in-law Jane Garrison of Monroeville, NJ; special friends and neighbors, Richey and Iris Smith of Thurmont. He was predeceased by daughter, Jane Cohen, younger brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Jerry Cohen, and niece, Lindajean Cohen.
Bernie wished to thank his medical providers for their care; Dr. Admir Hegazi and staff at the Cancer Care Center of Frederick; nurses and staff at Frederick Memorial Hospital; and especially all the wonderful people who donate their blood so that others might live. He also wished to thank Hospice of Frederick County for their love and compassion during his brief demise.
Bernie was of the Methodist faith. A celebration of Bernie's life will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2015 at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 210 W. Main St, Emmitsburg, MD, with Pastor Jon R. Greenstone officiating. Masonic rites will be observed. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until the time of the celebration. His cremains will be buried at the Moravian Cemetery in Graceham, MD at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.