Jerome “Jerry” Cohen, age 90, of Troy, passed away Sept. 19. Born on the 4th of July in 1936 in Brooklyn, N.Y., Jerry always had a flare for life. Jerry graduated from NYU business school, and moved to Dayton in 1964. He became the manager and TV personality for Concord City. With his famous catch phrase, “See you Please,” he had the highest profiting store in the Value City chain for decades, in great part due to his customer-first attitude and friendly nature. More importantly, Jerry made his mark in Dayton through his service to the community. He served on the Red Cross board for decades, as disaster chairperson, liaison with food banks, and traveled to help staff shelters during natural disasters. Jerry served on the Optimist Club board in Englewood. With his leadership, he cohosted with Dr. Creep for many years, the largest Christmas party in Dayton for underprivileged children. He was honored by both the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority and the Red Cross for his many volunteer efforts and contributions. He volunteered for years at Aullwood Audubon Center and the Miami County Park Department, helping in the reading program, giving nature tours to children, serving as the resident “snake man,” and helping at Troy’s festivals and park activities. Whether it be the Jerry Lewis Telethon, the Great Kite Flight, or as Dayton’s Most Beautiful Male, Jerry was always there to lend a hand and give his time to raise money for worthy causes. Jerry was a member of Beth Abraham Synagogue and Temple Israel. Significantly, Jerry was a proud Zionist, who cared deeply for Israel and its people throughout his life. Jerry is survived by his wife, Louise Cohen, who shared his love of nature and hiking; his son, Ira Cohen; daughter and son-in-law, Rachelle and Fred Singer; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Heather Cohen; his three grandsons, Alex and Davey Singer and Noah Cohen; Louise’s son and grandson, Scott and Michael Crider; and many other relatives and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved first wife of nearly 40 years, Annette Cohen; his parents, Murray and Sophie Cohen, and his sister, Harriet Lamberg Marron. Jerry deeply loved his family and being around people. In his later years, he liked gardening, bird-watching, and coloring. He had a strong work ethic, a can-do attitude, and an ability to make those around him smile. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. Donations may be sent in his memory to American Friends of Magen David Adom (afmda.org) or the American Red Cross (redcross.org/donate/donation.html).

To read the complete November 2026 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.