Obituary: Decorated WWII Veteran, Family Man, Harold Cohen, 93

Harold Cohen formerly of Burlington, 93, died peacefully at his assisted living home in Chelsea MA.  He was the devoted husband for 53 years of the late Rose Cohen.

Harold Cohen was born and raised in Revere MA.   Harold learned to work hard early in his life.   The depression hit the Cohen family hard.   Harold went to work to help support his parents and two siblings even before he graduated from high school.   Harold's  $7 per week job was the only income and was crucial for the family's survival.

After graduating from Revere High School, Harold joined the US Army during World War II.  Harold signed up for the ski troops joining the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division.  Harold never got to ski the Alps.  Instead after his training for the ski troops was completed, Harold’s regiment was shipped north toward Alaska to occupy the island of Kiska in amphibious boats.

Finally, Harold was shipped out to the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. Cohen was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, 161st regiment, sometimes called the Lightning division. 

In 1945, the order came to go up through the Belete Pass to Sierra Madre. The pass was the scene of intense fighting at the end of World War II and Harold was in the thick of it. Harold was wounded and spent over a year in hospitals having 5 operations to save his leg from amputation.  

Harold received numerous medals honoring his military service.   Harold is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for Bravery, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Honorable Service Lapel, Purple Heart Medal and 2 Bronze Stars.

In later years, Harold owned a meat and fruit market in Center Square Somerville, making a small living from the business.

Harold ended his working career as a postal employee working his way up from clerk to the supervisor of 60 employees.  As a Supervisor and as a person, Harold was very compassionate. 

Harold was devoted to his wife Rose and children.   He would give advice and counsel when he thought it was needed.   He was always generous with financial support. 

Harold was the devoted husband of the late Rose (Weiner) Cohen. Beloved father of Larry & his wife Janice Cohen, Barbara D. Cohen & her husband Walter Neff and Susan Burke. Cherished grandfather of David Cohen, Deborah Cohen and Kelly Neff. Special great grandfather of Breanna.  Dear brother of the late Frank Colten and Lillian Cohen.

Services will be at the Goldman Funeral Chapel 174 Ferry St.  (off Route 60) MALDEN on Thursday January 23 at 11:00 AM Interment in Sharon. Condolence calls may be made following the burial at the home of Larry & Janice Cohen until 8PM on Saturday, January 25th.  In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Cohen-Florence-Levine Estates Foundation 201 Captains Row Chelsea, MA 02150 for online condolences and directions go to www.goldmanfc.com  1-800-982-3717 Goldman Chapel, Malden.