William “Bill” Cohen ’58

William E. “Bill” Cohen, 75, a longtime resident of Medina, passed away Monday, August 18, 2014, at Hospice of Medina County, of cancer.

Bill was born July 2, 1939, to the late Morris and Ida (Kelman) Cohen in Westfield, Massachusetts, and raised in Laconia, New Hampshire.

Bill attended Baylor University, majoring in English. Following college, Bill was employed by Clark Discount Department Stores, then Cooks Discount Stores. While employed at both, he opened new stores, as well as managed stores throughout the U. S.

After moving to Medina, Bill became Commodore of the Chippewa Lake Yacht Club, enjoying sailing and racing on the lake. He also was a member of Medina Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board for six years. Bill proudly served as Chief of Medina County Community Police for two years. He formed his own business, BannerWorks Inc., and earned the nickname “Banner Bill’. In 2006, he joined the Medina Rotary Club and actively served in various capacities. He greatly valued his Rotary “family”. He especially enjoyed hosting the International Group Study Exchange Teams of professionals, visiting Northeastern Ohio from other nations, and was Club Chairman for the International Exchange Student Program. Bill obtained a steel beam, salvaged from the World Trade Center to create a 911/Welcome Sign to Medina, Ohio. This Rotary project is underway.

Bill loved the Cleveland Orchestra and Performing Arts. He served on the Board of the Medina County Arts Foundation, and was active in bringing the Akron Symphony to Medina for the Holiday Pops Concerts. In addition, he was an active member of The Squires of Medina. Bill had many interests, Visual Arts, Wine, Music, Photography and he loved to cook and enjoyed good food.

Bill is survived by his son, Scott of North Carolina; daughter, Shelly (Larry) Rulon and granddaughter, Stormie, of Choteau, Montana; brother Dr. I. K. Cohen of Richmond, Virginia; and his most loved childhood friend, Lynne Snierson, considered by Bill to be his “kid sister”, of Laconia, New Hampshire. In addition, Bill expressed his sincere appreciation to those who helped him in the past during his time in Medina. He was preceded in death by his parents.

One thought on “William “Bill” Cohen ’58”

  1. I had no contact with Ingrid after graduation in 1952 and was happy to learn that she had had a full and probably quite happy life.
    Jean Harrison

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