Obituary: Gershom Ralph Cohn

Gershom Ralph Cohn, 97, of Sarasota, died Aug. 18.

Mr. Cohn was born March 5, 1916, in Decatur, Ill. In 1978, he and his late wife, Sylvia, built a home on Bird Key and moved to Sarasota.

He was a builder and was involved in the civic life of his community. He raised funds for a building to house the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, the Jewish Community Center and was a member of the Jewish Housing Council. He was also a major fundraiser and donor to the Jewish Federation, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Opera and The Jazz Club of Sarasota.
Mr. Cohn was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia.

He is survived by his daughters Arlene Rubin, of Chicago, and Vicki Pollard, of Blue Hill, Maine; son David Cohn, of San Francisco; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held Aug. 23, at Temple Beth Israel, on Longboat Key.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Housing Council, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota, Fla., 34235.