Jack K. Cohen, a loving and caring husband, brother, father, grandfather, and Chairman of your Association of BellTel Retirees died suddenly on September 29, 2021.
He was an inspiring leader who touched thousands of lives with his vigorous love of life, quest for knowledge, and generosity. He was a man of action and passion, always working to change our society for the better.
Jack began his career at New York Telephone in 1968 and worked his way up to a management position in charge of the entire expense budgeting and tracking office for NYNEX, later Verizon. Never one to rest on his laurels, after retiring in 1994, he returned to Verizon as a consultant, continuing to share his expertise.
Jack grew up in Brooklyn and attended the City College of New York. He was a lifelong learner, always eager to expand his knowledge over a breadth of subjects, including history, education, and politics.
Throughout his life, Jack was passionate about a variety of political subjects, spending hours researching and writing letters to newspapers and legislators on issues ranging from school funding to retiree benefits. It was that passion that brought Jack to the Association of BellTel Retirees.
Post-retirement, Jack had begun an initiative to visit fellow retiree social groups across New York to address the issues that threatened their economic security. By 2003, he had become a BellTel regional NY State co-leader, doing outreach to retirees. His continuing commitment led him to join the board in 2008.
He was elected chairman in 2015 and in the years since, became a regular commentator on the issues of pensions and benefits, frequently appearing in Kiplinger’s, the Wall Street Journal, Crain’s New York Business, and National Public Radio.
One of Jack’s favorite quotes was “Evil triumphs when good men do nothing.” Jack believed that indifference to the issues impacting our society could be poisonous. This mindset fueled his dedication and determination to make a difference.
Jack’s integrity, commitment, and leadership were gifts he shared generously with his family, friends, and our retiree community.
Jack set such an incredible example for the rest of us that his legacy is sure to continue. He is survived by Ilene, his loving wife of 54 years, his children, and his grandchildren.
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