Plastic surgeon helped many in need

As a medical doctor and a plastic surgeon, Dr. Bernard Cohen was recognized for his commitment to helping patients who were disfigured in fires or accidents.

"My father never turned anyone down anyone who needed plastic surgery and couldn't pay," said his daughter, Jill Cueni-Cohen. "He understood what it meant to them to be able to resume an active life."

Dr. Bernard I. Cohen, of Pine, former president of Temple Ohav Shalom in McCandless, died of cancer on Friday, Jan. 26, 2007, at UPMC Shadyside. He was 71.

"Our father put in long hours when he was working," Cueni-Cohen added. "But he enjoyed himself when he wasn't in the office. He loved to travel. He enjoyed good food and had many friends."

Born and raised in Minersville, Schuykill County, and Harrisburg, Dr. Cohen was an only child in the family of Oscar and Elaine Cohen Cohen.

Following graduation from high school, Bernard Cohen received his undergraduate degree from Juniata College, Huntingdon, Huntingdon County and both his dental and medical degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.

While attending the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Cohen met and married Elaine Rosenthal. They made Pittsburgh their home once Dr. Cohen completed his residency in Denver.

"Dad had his first office at Allegheny Center on the North Side and then had offices in Cranberry and Butler," his daughter added.

Dr. Cohen is survived by his children, Jill Cueni-Cohen, of McCandless, Andrew Cohen, of Stroudsburg, Monroe County, and Jamie Cohen, of Ocala, Fla., and three grandchildren.

Services are at 1 p.m. today at Ralph Schugar Chapel Inc., 5509 Centre Ave., Shadyside.

Visitation will be an hour before services, from noon to 1 p.m. Interment is private.