In Memory

Ernie Cohen

Ernie Cohen

Ernie Cohen, 71, of Barrel Springs Drive in Orange Park, Fla., died July 12, 2021, at Haven Hospice of Orange Park. Ernie is survived by his wife, Joann; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Bradley Herbst of Jacksonville, and Jackie and Brian Bukstein of Chicago; sister and brother-in-law, Shelley and Mark Schulman of Cleveland; four grandchildren, Sydney and Andrew Herbst, and Joshua and Zachary Bukstein; three sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Debbie and Lou Bauer of Jacksonville, Lisa and Tobin Shepardson of Northeast, Pa.; and Jim and Denise Murphy of North Lawrence, N.Y.; four nephews, Howie (Lindsay), Kenny (Brittany) and Jeffrey (Alison) Schulman, and Brett Bauer; a niece, Becca Shepardson; two great-nieces and one great-nephew; and his step-mother-in-law, Marcia Murphy of Cassadaga, N.Y. He was predeceased by a sister, Hallie Cohen, in 2009. Ernie was born Feb. 25, 1950, in South Euclid, the son of Elaine and Manuel “Mannie” Cohen. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from The Ohio State University in 1972 and served as secretary and president of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. Upon graduation, Ernie joined the family business – American Steel Drum Co. – and became vice president. After the company closed, he began a highly successful career in sales management in various industries in the Cleveland area such as Kinzua Environmental and Wirtshafters Inc. He married Joann Murphy on Oct. 7, 1994, in Painesville. In 1996, Ernie opened his own firm – At Your Service – a multi-faceted personal-service business which operated successfully for several years before the Cohens decided to leave Ohio for Orange Park in February 2003. Once settled, he started another business, Software Unlimited, and eventually transitioned into a position as a regional sales representative in the credit-card-processing field where he was recognized as a top producer and deal closer. He then joined Haven Hospice as the Clay County professional liaison in January 2012 and immersed himself in the meetings, activities and events of Clay County to promote Haven Hospice and its mission which dramatically increased the agency’s profile in the community. After two years, he accepted a similar position at Oak View Rehabilitation Center where he also became a member of the board of directors with Kids First of Florida – a non-profit dedicated to providing adoption and foster-care services to children emerging from abusive situations. By August 2015, as the board explored a new marketing approach to increase awareness and support for the Kids First program, Ernie stepped into a newly created role as not only as the community liaison for Kids First, but also the liaison for its sister non-profit agency – Clay Behavioral Health Center. Ernie became a very active member and eventually vice president of the Clay County Senior Adult Advocacy Council where guests at the annual fundraising barbecue could anticipate seeing Ernie wearing a pig or turkey costume in summer or an elf or gingerbread boy outfit at Christmastime, and he was also known to turn up dressed as a jockey, ballerina or whatever outfit the occasion demanded. At the same time, Ernie was an extremely popular and in-demand master of ceremonies. His outrageous sense of humor, infectious enthusiasm and gift for provoking people with just the right balance of mischief and humor made him a natural to host community-networking groups and signature Clay County events. He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan who held season tickets for more than 20 years until the team “ripped his heart out” by moving to Baltimore. Some of his greatest joy came from watching his grandchildren participate in artistic performances and sports and from being part of a cause or team that helped and supported children. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Orange Park, Florida. Services will be held at 1 p.m. July 16 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Interment is at Mount Olive Cemetery. Family and friends who cannot attend the service may view it by going to bkbmc.com, scroll down to obituaries, click on obituary of Ernest Cohen, scroll down to join live stream, click on join live stream. Family will receive friends following services until 8 p.m. July 16 at the residence of Lindsay and Howie Schulman, 29060 Naylor Road in Solon. Memorial contributions may be made in Ernie’s name to Kids First of Florida/Clay Behavioral Health Center, 1726 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL, 32073.



 
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07/13/21 07:24 PM #2    

Gary Glazer

Ernie was always a friendly, decent and kind person. I remember him well from both Wiley and Heights High. My enduring memory of Ernie from high school is seeing him zip around Univerisity Heights as a delivery person for Berger and Silver Jewelers when they were located in Cedar Center. I was impressed that a contemporary could actually get a job where you could drive around in a cool station wagon and listen to the radio all day. And get paid. Have not seen Ernie in years but very sorry to hear of passing. My condolences to his family on their loss-may he rest in peace.


07/13/21 08:08 PM #3    

Ron Fierman

Truly one of the good guys. Friends with everyone he met .My sympathies to his family and friends .RIP Ernie .

 

 

 

 


07/14/21 09:43 AM #4    

Mark Wachter

A great laugh and smile so big that his eyes would close. Ermie will be missed.


07/14/21 12:05 PM #5    

Shelley Hecht (Hiller)

I'm so sad to hear about Ernie. He was a great guy- and way too young to be gone. It's another reminder to cherish every moment we have. 


07/14/21 09:47 PM #6    

Linda Weisberg

Wow, a life well lived. Ernie will be remembered, as so many other classmates have already said - a wonderful happy guy. He will be greatly missed and live on as an inspiration for the rest of us. Live each day with kindness , humility and always do the best you can, with love.

 

 


07/15/21 01:34 PM #7    

Penny Presser

You were a sweetheart of a boy, and obviously took that into your adult life. I always adored you, and am so sorry that you're gone. R.I.P., sweet, funny man.

07/15/21 04:06 PM #8    

Jerry Banchek

Friends with Ernie from our days at Northwood thru Heights. Always had a pleasing smile, easy to talk with, and   remember our fun times playing in the school yard. RIP Ernie! 


07/15/21 04:50 PM #9    

Steve Seidman

I had a lot of fun and laughs with Ernie while at Wiley and Heights.  He will be sorely missed.  My condolences.  RIP


07/16/21 11:56 AM #10    

Bobbi Spiegler

A life well lived and with so much love and service to his community  Condolences to friends and family.


07/19/21 10:00 PM #11    

Robert Zelwin

No one had a better laugh than Ernie Cohen. He had a great sense of humor and no one was better at "ball busting" than him. We lived together for 3 years at OSU and not a day would go by that he didn't make someone laugh. He was a wonderful father and a loving grandfather. He was also a great friend.  He didn't feel well in May, but didn't want people to know he was sick. He went very fast. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those that knew him. Rest in peace my friend. You will never be forgotten.


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