Barry Cohen

DATELINE: PROVIDENCE

Cohen, Barry, 88, died Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. He was the beloved husband of Pauline (Dress) Cohen for 67 years. Born in Boston, MA, a son of the late David and Rose (Weinstein) Cohen, he had lived in Providence, previously living in Cranston. He was founder and president of P&B Manufacturing Co. in the 1950s, starting in the humble beginnings of his parents’ cellar. He grew the business and employed hundreds of his fellow Rhode Islanders. He was owner of Alison Reed Group as well as other local companies, until retirement. He was known as the “Gentleman of the Jewelry Business.” He was a member of the Manufacturers, Jewelers and Silversmiths of RI. Barry was co-chair of the Israeli Bond movement in the 1960s. He was a member of Temple Sinai in Cranston for over 60 years. He had many philanthropic endeavors. Barry was a graduate of Hope High School, Class of ’49 and Bryant College.

Barry was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Devoted father of Lawrence (Maryann), Holly, Mitchell, and Sharon (Jennifer). Loving grandfather of Benjamin, Edward, Liberty, and David. Dear brother of Charlotte Cohen. Brother-in law-of Samuel and Jeffrey Dress.

Funeral services and shiva will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Animal Rescue of RI, P.O. Box 458, Wakefield, RI 02880 or HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or charity of your choice.

37 Comments

  1. Phyllis B. Solod
    Jun 25, 2020

    Holly,
    Sorry to learn of your loss. May your father Rest In Peace.
    Phyllis B. Solod

    • BERNIE Gemma
      Jun 26, 2020

      THE COHEN FAMILY, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF YOUR BELOVED FATHER. MY HE REST IN PEACE BERNIE GEMMA

      • larry
        Jun 27, 2020

        Thank you Bernie
        I appreciate your thoughts
        It was very nice of you

  2. John Arakelian
    Jun 26, 2020

    Larry and family’,
    Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. May he Rest In Peace .

    John Arakelian
    Unique Plating

    • larry
      Jun 27, 2020

      Thank you John
      It is very nice for you to send this condolence
      I appreciate it very much

  3. Barbara Gardner
    Jun 26, 2020

    Dear Larry and Maryann,
    Sincerely sorry for your loss, I pray that fond memories help you to get through this difficult time. Guido and I will be keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May your. father rest in sweet peace.

    • larry
      Jun 27, 2020

      We appreciate your condolences very much. My father lived a wonderful fulfilling life and I know he rests in peace. Thank you for reaching out to us

  4. Victor F Wilbert, Jr.
    Jun 26, 2020

    Larry, Maryann and family,
    Sorry for the loss of our dear friend.
    Victor and Stephen Wilbert
    Scope Display and Box Co., Inc.

    • larry
      Jun 27, 2020

      Thank you both
      I appreciate your condolences very much. This is very nice of you

  5. Dione Kenyon
    Jun 26, 2020

    Dear Larry
    My deepest sympathy to you and your family on Barry’s passing.
    He was a true gentleman and a favorite client of mine from banking days. I remember he was an avid reader, and we would always refer each other to authors and books we enjoyed. A genuine and honorable man, we were fortunate to have known.
    Sadly, Dione Kenyon

    • larry
      Jun 27, 2020

      It’s so nice of you to send us your condolences. I appreciate it very much. It’s heartening to know that my father touched people in a positive way.

  6. Michael and Nancy Voccola and Family
    Jun 26, 2020

    Dear Mrs. Cohen, Larry, Maryann and Family:

    Nancy and I are saddened to learn of Mr. Cohen’s passing. As you are aware, I felt the sting of losing a parent – it is a difficult and challenging time for all.

    I remember when Larry and I were younger and in Mr. Cohen’s company, he always had that dry wit and disarming demeanor.

    We hope that your pleasant memories of him bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

    • larry
      Jun 27, 2020

      Thank you both for your condolences and the very nice plant we received yesterday. Mike I remember you telling me of a moment when you scared the hell out of my father in the driveway. He always asked how you were doing. Thanks again for reaching out

  7. Allen kirshenbaum
    Jun 26, 2020

    Dear Pauline, Sam and Jeff, and the rest of the family. So very sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. Tot Kirshenbaum

  8. Rebecca Abbassi (Daughn)
    Jun 27, 2020

    I am saddened to hear of Mr. Cohen’s passing. I remember him fondly, My thoughts are with his family at this time.
    With Love, Becky Daughn (Rebecca Abbassi)

    • Sharon Cohen
      Jun 27, 2020

      Thank you so much Becky

  9. Gary Pelzman
    Jun 27, 2020

    My deepest condolences to all of you. I will always remember his kindness.

    • larry
      Jun 27, 2020

      Thank you Gary for your condolences. I appreciate it very much that you sent us you thinking of us

  10. Saul Fern
    Jun 27, 2020

    Pauline, Larry aand other family members,

    Barry was a true gentlemen, a wonderful client for many years…and an excellent teacher to me and many others.
    May he rest in peace.

    Saul Fern
    Cranford, NJ

    • larry
      Jun 27, 2020

      Hi Saul
      Thank you for your condolences. He enjoyed very much working with you. You both created a lot of excellent work. It’s been a long time and I hope you’re doing well. I appreciate you reaching out very much

  11. Cheryl Alkins
    Jun 27, 2020

    Dear Mrs. Cohen, Larry and Holly,

    Extending my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

    Cheryl Alkins

  12. Bob Terino
    Jun 27, 2020

    A true gentleman, a giant in the Jewelry Industry! There were very few like him. Rest In Peace

    • larry
      Jun 29, 2020

      Thank you for reaching out to us Cheryl. It’s very nice of you.

      • larry
        Jun 29, 2020

        Hi Bob
        Sorry Bob and Cheryl my hand slipped
        Thank you also Bob for your condolences and remembering my father in that way

  13. Don Donnelly
    Jun 28, 2020

    A true Giant of a man, I’m truly sorry for the Family, He will always be remembered as the “Greatest” when jewelry is discussed in Rhode Island. May He Rest in peace, God Bless Barry Cohen!

    • larry
      Jun 29, 2020

      Hi Don
      I appreciate your condolences very much. It’s good to remember those years with fond and fun memories

      • Don Donnelly
        Jul 23, 2020

        Your Dad was a very special person in my life, one of these day’s we will sit together and I’ll tell You about my history with Him.

  14. Beverly Mann-Paris
    Jun 29, 2020

    Dear Pauline and family, I am sorry to hear
    of Barry’s passing. He was a very fine man.
    May his memories be a blessing to all of you.
    Beverly

  15. Jackie Zannini
    Jun 29, 2020

    Larry and family,

    Very sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing & with you in spirit.
    May happy memories of your time together soon fill your hearts.

    • larry
      Jun 29, 2020

      Hi Jackie
      Thank you for thinking of us and reaching out. I appreciate it very much.

  16. Grant and Dianne Davis
    Jun 29, 2020

    Larry our deepest sympathies to you and family.
    I worked for Barry for many years, at P & B in the shipping department-wonderful man.
    May he rest in peace.

    Grant “Dave” Davis and Dianne Davis

    • larry
      Jun 29, 2020

      Dave
      I have so many memories of us during those years . I hope your well.
      I appreciate your condolences. Thank you for reaching out.

  17. Erin and Joe Aceto
    Jun 29, 2020

    Dear Larry and Maryann,
    We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. May you find comfort in remembering all the guidance, strength and love with which your father touched your life.
    With our deepest sympathy,
    Erin and Joe Aceto

    • larry
      Jun 30, 2020

      Thank you for your condolences. We appreciate it very much

  18. Mike Patalano
    Jun 30, 2020

    Larry, Pauline and Family- I had the honor and privilege of working for you and Barry for a short time…Barry made a lasting impression on me…witty, smart, generous, kind and personable. I’m still carrying the 10 pounds I put on enjoying the coffee and bagels he used to bring in. A life well lived. God Bless. Mike

    • larry
      Jun 30, 2020

      Hi Mike
      Thank you. It’s very nice of you to reach out. Thank you for your condolences.

  19. Jane LeVasseur
    Jul 28, 2020

    Larry, I met you and a few others in your family years ago when I was working for a financial firm (ML – though I’m a teacher now), and you all impressed me so much – for being kind, responsible, respectful people when you had already accomplished a great deal in this world. I’m not sure you’ll remember me, but I’ve never forgotten what good people you all were, and when I read that impressive obituary, I had to say something. I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. Sincerely, Jane

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