Remembering beloved town Pharmacist Herbert Cohen

Herbert Cohen, a dedicated pharmacist whose career spanned decades, passed away at the age of 94 on May 13, in Bohemia.

Born on July 19, 1928, in Brooklyn, to Harry J. and Celia Cohen, Herb’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his profession and his vibrant personality.

Herb’s journey in pharmacy began at his father’s drug store, Freeport Drug Shop, where he started working and eventually took over as the owner. Even after the store’s closure, he continued serving as a pharmacist at various private and NYS hospital pharmacies until his retirement in the early 1990s. Throughout his career, Herb’s expertise and dedication made a positive impact on countless patients.

Beyond his professional achievements, Herb was known for his quick wit and remarkable sense of humor, which remained with him until the end. He had a knack for keeping his friends and family entertained, and as one of the last surviving members of his extended family, he cherished his relationships with nieces and cousins, maintaining close connections with them throughout his life.

Notably, Herb was a compassionate and generous individual, extending his kindness beyond his immediate circle. Despite living on a fixed income, he consistently made contributions to numerous charitable organizations, supporting causes such as animal welfare, medical research, and civil liberties, even if his donations were modest.

A lifelong learner, Herb was an avid reader and one of the last remaining customers of Netflix DVD. In his 90s, he embraced new technologies, teaching himself how to stream movies, use an iPhone, and become computer literate, demonstrating his adaptability and curiosity.

Herb is survived by his daughter Jill Cohen and her husband Norman Siderow, his son Doug Cohen and his wife Cindy, grandchildren Jacqueline Misner and her husband Travis, Andrew Cohen, and Genevieve Cohen, as well as his great-grandson Benjamin Misner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother Joseph and sister Florence Goldstein.

Herb’s memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his profession. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity that will continue to inspire others.