Henry Israel Cohen

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Henry Israel Cohen, age 71, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and pillar of the St. Johns community on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. He was born April 16, 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of Isidore Pete Cohen and Margaret Murrietta. Henry was a man whose life was defined by his unwavering commitment to serving others and the joy he found in bringing happiness to those around him.

Henry’s hobbies reflected his generous spirit. Whether it was serving others, cooking up delightful meals or feeding friends and family, he was a true MacGyver in the kitchen. His greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren and creating cherished memories with his family. Henry’s love for travel allowed him to share countless adventures and build lasting memories with those he loved most.

A proud veteran, Henry served honorably in the Navy, completing one tour. His sense of duty extended into his civilian life as a dedicated Boy Scoutmaster for over 25 years, where he mentored and became a father figure to many young men in the St. Johns community. He also had a distinguished 39-year career as an Operator at Salt River Project Coronado Generating Station, where he considered his coworkers as family, retiring in 2017.

Henry was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since his baptism at the age of 29. His faith was a guiding force in his life. Henry owned the St. Johns Movie Theater for over 15 years, offering free passes to everyone and ensuring that even if you were the only person watching, the show would go on.

Known for his kindness and generosity, Henry’s number was known at the local jail, always ready to help those in need. After losing his father at a young age, Henry began working at the age of 13, harvesting vegetables to support his family. His home with his beloved wife, Tanya, was always a place of warmth and welcome, where he loved entertaining and feeding guests on their porch. No one ever felt like a stranger around Henry; he made everyone feel like the most important person in the world.

Henry was a friend, dad, uncle, confidant, spiritual advisor, supporter, racquetball partner, shoulder to cry on, fishing buddy and much more to all who knew and loved him. He shared 44 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Tanya Cohen, whom he met through her son Tyson. Together, they raised 6 children and were blessed with 24 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Henry’s legacy of love, service and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Excerpt from Henry Cohen’s final testimony: “Heavenly Father loves us so much, guides us and places us where He wants us to be, where we need to be. He lets us squirm a bit to figure it out because that is his plan. We are put here to learn, to stumble and struggle, all as part of God’s plan. I loved that our Father loved me enough to bring to Tanya in this small town and blessed me with my children and grandchildren. I hope they learn that stumbling and struggling are part of God’s plan. Without depending on Him, we cannot grow. He has blessed me with so many things I do not deserve. I am incredibly grateful for every minute with my family and for all the friends who have loved me. It has truly been a wonderful life.”

Henry is survived by his wife, Tanya Kennard Cohen, sons, Tyson Slade, Kyle Cohen, Ashley Cohen, Jacob Cohen, daughters, LeeAnn Cohen, Rebecca Cohen Nielsen, sons-in-law, Michael Nielsen, Donald Farr, daughters-in-law, Trina Milinkovich, Domonique Cohen, Kelsie Cohen, Nichole Cohen, Kelly Bunton, grandchildren, Westyn, Kristin, John, Kyndal, Khiya, Kasyn, Enzo, Karissa, Cameron, Hailie, Preston, Bryson, Brilee, Carter, Rustin, Piper, Tristen, Kaiziyn, Arie, Preslie, Kellen, Kentlie, Harden, 6 great-grandchildren, brother, Pete Cohen, brothers-in-law, Mike Ingersoll, Mondo Garza, sisters, Frances Garza, Vivian Ingersoll, Kathy Cohen and sisters-in-law, Yolanda Cohen and Mary Facio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bill Facio, Larry Cohen, Robert and Danny, son, Kelly Cohen, granddaughter, Aaliyah Cohen Jensen and sister, Vivian Facio.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Stake Center, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the St. Johns Westside Cemetery.