Obituary of Murray Cohen

Murray Cohen June 21, 1925-February 13, 2011 85 year old of Monticello, New York and Destin, Florida Murray Cohen, 85, a life-long resident of Monticello, passed on Sunday morning in Destin, FL. He was born in Kovel, Poland, from parents Israel and Anna Cohen. Murray in Monticello for 65 years and devoted his life to serving others while holding many leadership positions in various Sullivan County organizations. His service to the country began when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Murray attained the rank of Corporal flew as a radioman/gunner on the Douglass Dauntless SBD (dive bomber) as he battled in the skies over the Pacific in WWII. It was this type of aircraft that sank four Japanese carriers at the Battle of Midway and turned the tide of battle in the Pacific theatre. As part of the Second Marine Division, he fought in the battles of Guadalcanal, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinowa. Upon his return to Sullivan County, he married the former Shirley Newberg, sister of Judge Benjamin Newberg, in Congregation Ezrath Israel Synagogue, Ellenville. He served on the Fallsburg police department, and later became a steamfitter with the UA Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in Newburgh, where he spent the bulk of his professional career. He helped build many industrial sites around America. As a Master Steamfitter, he was responsible for overseeing the construction of many buildings in the Hudson River Valley, including those at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Stewart Army Air Field, and the Indian Point Nuclear Reactor. In Sullivan County he was currently serving as the Jewish War Veterans Mountain District Council President and was also a past commander of Jesse Brams Post #206 in Monticello. He was also a Past President of the Monticello Masonic Lodge, and an active member of the Shriner's and Elks. He was a big supporter of the Shriner's Children's Hospital. Mr. Cohen was also a leader in Sullivan County politics as a Republican Committeeman for the Town of Thompson, and helped elect many local and state candidates. He enjoyed spending time in Destin, FL, his winter home, and with his children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Victor and sister Doris. Murray is survived by his wife Shirley of 57 years, his daughters Janice and Shari and son Michael, son-in-laws David and David and daughter-in-law Shirley. He was ever so proud of his six grandchildren Alan, Carla, Matthew, Shellie, Danielle, and Mackenzie. Funeral services will take place at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway in Monticello on Wednesday, February 16, at 12:00pm and he will be laid to rest at the Anshe Hurleyville Cemetery in Hurleyville on Creamery Road. Donations in honor of Murray may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.