Max Insel Cohen of Livingston, 85, who died on Saturday, November 23, was born in Newark on New Year’s Eve. Max always said, “When I was born everyone celebrated.” His parents were Frieda Insel Cohen and Leroy F. Cohen.
Max graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy in Pine Beach, New Jersey, and then from Rider College in Trenton. From there he served in the US Army for two years. Subsequently, he entered the family business, Insel & Insel in Newark, and then, as an entrepreneur, established Max Insel Cohen, Inc., Animal Organs and Tissues for Research, serving all the major medical schools and research institutions throughout the greater metropolitan area.
Max was married for 58 years to Eleonore Kessler Cohen. They have two children, Philip H. Cohen (Rebecca Kramnick) and Cynthia L. Cohen (Carl Goldberg). Max’s two granddaughters, Madeline Cohen and Anna Cohen, were the joy of his life. His brother-in-law, John Kessler, and sister in law, Henni Kessler, also survive him.
Max, a quiet man, was devoted to his family and friends. He was the rock and fount of knowledge that his friends turned to for useful information, such as: who to call to prune the trees or fix the car, who is the best for house repairs, and what tool to use to fix a broken “whosey-what’s-it.”
Max traveled the world, enjoying theater and sailing “Relax Max” on Lake Hopatcong, and memorialized it all through his artful photography.
Max belonged to the Garden State Yacht Club and Maplewood Country Club and was a lifelong member of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills.
Max was the strength to his friends and family, and will be remembered for his quiet dignity.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 26. Contributions in his memory may be made to The Newark Museum of Art or Congregation B’nai Jeshurun.
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