Obituary

Gary Mason Cohen,74, died peacefully at his home on December 30, 2025. A lifelong resident of Charleston, West Virginia, Gary was born on September 3, 1951. He was the son of the late Marvyn and Marion Smith Cohen of the locally established Cohen Drug Store.

Gary followed in the family business, earning his degree in Pharmacology from Northeastern University in Boston. Upon returning home, he began his career at Charleston Area Medical Center, where he worked until his retirement. Following his retirement from CAMC, he temporarily returned to work at Highland Hospital.

In 1978, Gary married Susan Silman. Together, they raised two daughters.

Gary’s love of travel took him around the world. In his early years, he earned a pilot’s license. He enjoyed photography, cooking for friends and family, and was an avid collector of many things. His infectious laugh, sense of humor and generosity will be remembered by all who knew him.

Gary is survived by daughters, Brittany Cohen of Charleston, and Brooke Cohen and her fiancé, Jason Verno, of Apex, North Carolina; his grandsons, Carter and Easton Verno; and special friend, Karen Stover.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, West Virginia. Burial will follow at B’nai Jacob Eternal Home Cemetery, Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gary’s memory to a charity of your choice.

You may send condolences to the family at barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.