Obituary of Sidney Cohen

Sidney (Sid) Cohen, age 81, of Albany, NY died on Tuesday evening, February 10, 2015 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY after failing health and an extreme sudden illness. Born and raised in Pittsfield, MA, Sid was an Albany resident most of his life. He was a Navy veteran and served during the Korean conflict. Sid was a partner with his brother-in-law, Harold of the former Kessler’s Pharmacy on New Scotland Avenue in Albany, which was a long time Albany landmark. After his retirement from the pharmacy, Sid served as Executive Director of Temple Israel in Albany for many years. In addition to being a long time member of Temple Israel, Sid was active with the Albany Jewish War Veterans Post #105, was a member of the Mason’s and Albany City Lodge #540 Knights of Pythias. Sid will be remembered for his warm heart and welcoming way when dealing with customers at the drug store. He could be introduced to you once and never forget your name. Everyone whom Sid met felt embraced by him. Sid was predeceased by his wife, Rose Kessler (Pincy) Cohen in 1993. He is survived by his loving children, Rhonda Cohen (Tony) of Union, NJ, Sheril Cohen of Voorheesville, NY, Marla Sheffer (Eric) of Clifton Park, NY and Gary Cohen (Jennifer) of Guilderland, NY. Grandfather of Jordan Solomon Moass, Natalia Rose Moass, Sophie Rose Sheffer, Natasha Grace Sheffer, Eva Lee Sheffer, Colette Rose Cohen and Bennett Joseph Cohen. He was predeceased by two brothers, Herman and Israel Emanuel (Manny) Cohen. Services at Temple Israel, 600 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 9:30 am. Interment will follow in the Temple Israel Cemetery in Guilderland,NY where Sid will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Pincy. The period of mourning will be observed at the Cohen residence, 12 Friebel Road, Albany, NY (off Buckingham Drive) on Friday following the service of interment, Saturday evening from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and Sunday through Wednesday from 1:00 – 9:00 pm. with an evening service being held daily at 7:00 pm. Those wishing to remember Sid in a special way may make a memorial contribution to the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018 or the American Diabetes Association, 2 Pine West Plaza, Albany, NY 12205.