Joseph Cohen

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. – Joseph Cohen 83, beloved husband of Marlene for over 60 years, passed away on June 5, 2025. Cherished son of Bernard and Celia Wilner Cohen (of blessed memory) and sister of Rhoda (Saul) Gill (of blessed memory). Devoted father of Philip (Lynne) and Bernard (Sharon Globerson). Adoring grandfather of Claire, Jacob (Sydney) and Natalie; Julia and Claudia Cohen. Loving brother-in-law of Jim (Cindy) Baker, Linda (of blessed memory) (David) Bojarczuk, Richard (of blessed memory) (Donna) Baker, and Jay Baker, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Joe was born in Haverhill, Mass. on May 21, 1942 and he was raised in Auburn, Maine. Joe was married for over 60 years to his beloved wife Marlene Baker Cohen of Portland, who he met at the age of 16 at a Center Youth Dance. Joe graduated from Edward Little High School, class of 1959, Babson College and had a master’s degree from Northeastern University. He spent 30 years working for the General Accounting Office as a Certified Public Accountant, followed by 20 years at Price Waterhouse Coopers. Joe and Marlene raised their two sons, Philip and Bernie, in Peabody, Mass. before retiring to Boynton Beach, Fla.

Joe was extremely involved in both of his synagogues, as a past President at Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody, Mass. and an active board member at Temple Beth Tikvah in Greenacres, Fla. Joe was also a committed Zionist, a trait he proudly instilled in his children and grandchildren. Joe lived an extremely active life and was an avid golfer, skier and bike rider. He was also a huge Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots fan. Joe and Marlene enjoyed traveling the world, whether river cruises in Europe or trips to visit their children and grandchildren around the United States.

Joe was a devoted and loving husband to Marlene, a supportive and caring father to Philip and Bernie, and a proud and adoring Zayde to his six grandchildren. His family meant the world to him. He could always be counted on to cheer the grandchildren on, whether on the tennis court, football or lacrosse field or at a dance recital, even when it meant traveling a great distance. His love for his children and grandchildren will remain with them throughout their lives.

A friend to many, Joe is already deeply missed and will never be forgotten. His memory will forever be a blessing.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 9 at Levey Chapel at 471 Deering Avenue, Portland. Interment Mt. Sinai Cemetery.

To view the service, visit, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2443770283?pwd=SHV5My9Id0tvektvZkw2d0VrRFludz09

The meeting ID is: 244 377 0283. The passcode is: 18183636

Family will receive friends at the home of Jim and Cindy Baker immediately following internment until 4 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m.

Those who wish to contribute in Joseph’s memory, may do so to the Mildred and Ernest Baker Center Day Camp Scholarship Fund at the Jewish Community Alliance of Portland (https://www.mainejewish.org/).