Gerald Cohen
February 13, 1934 ~ December 20, 2020
St. James, NY

Gerald Cohen, a longtime resident of Suffolk County passed away on Sunday, December 20th, 2020 at Stony brook Medicine. He was the son in law of the late Ruth and Richard Pennisi of New Windsor and was 86 years old.
Jerry was born in 1934 to the late Lawrence and Rita Cohen in Queens, NY. He graduated from in MIT in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Engineering Administration. He entered the US Army after college and served as a Lieutenant in the Army Ordinance Corp.
In 1957 Jerry joined his father in the family business which was later to be known as Lawrence Aviation Industries (LAI). He served as President and CEO after the passing of his father until 1998 when the aviation industry experienced a major decline. For more than 50 years LAI manufactured and supplied the aerospace industries with titanium components to government agencies and countless airlines.
Jerry was extremely active in the affairs of the community. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees of St. Charles Hospital and received the Theodore Roosevelt award from the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Association. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Stony Brook Foundation and was active with Mary Haven Center of Hope for challenged individuals.
Jerry had a great love for people, friends and family alike. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face and never had an unkind word to say about anyone and always willing to help anyone in need.
As the years went by, life changed. Skiing and travel and other activities which filled one's lives no longer were the priority. However, one thing was constant for Jerry-his love for animals. He is leaving behind "Maggie", a rescue dog who misses him dearly. She loved their daily walks.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Pennisi Cohen, who for almost 50 years was constantly by his side through all of life's good times and bad.
In addition, he is survived by several nieces and nephews, Nancy Quinlin, Nick Triantanfyllou, Marc Quinlin, Lisa Cohen, Jamie Cohen and Larry Cohen.
Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh, NY at 1 pm on Tuesday, December 29.