He is predeceased from his wonderful devoted wife of over 60 years, Sylvia Cohen, who passed in September, 2016. Melvin has a loving son and daughter-in-law Ronald Jay Cohen and Ann Klatzko Cohen and loving daughter and son-in-law Joyce Kaplan and David Kaplan. He has survived by his grandchildren Dana Cohen Waby of Miami, Florida, Andrew B. Cohen, of Arlington, Virginia, Jordan Kaplan of Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Daniel Kaplan of Merrick, Nassau County, New York. Melvin was also the proud great-grandfather of Lily Ava Kaplan, Eli Lonnie Kaplan, Ivy Hazel Kaplan and Zachary Logan Kaplan. Melvin had one sister Corinne Sternberg who was married to Cantor Solomon Sternberg, of Rahway, New Jersey - both predeceased.
Melvin graduated from Samuel Gompers High School in the Bronx, New York and joined the US Army where he served honorably in the Korean conflict and was discharged August 7, 1952. He was awarded 2 Bronze Camp Stars and the UN service medal. He was particularly proud of his military service. He was extremely proud to serve his country.
Melvin was a career sales professional and worked in the jewelry industry for decades. He was employed initially by Hollendorf Watch Company, Zodiac Watch Company and then K. Hattori Watch Company (Pulsar and Seiko) where he was a #1 producer and sales leader servicing the New York metropolitan area and Florida.
Melvin was a proud member of the Jewish War Veterans and volunteered at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
Melvin enjoyed travel, exercise, reading, swimming, and golf. He was a humble person with tremendous conviction and integrity who greatly enjoyed his numerous friends. Most recently he had a warm relationship with Natalie Soveno of Pompton Plains, New Jersey who he attempted to keep up with playing scrabble and sharing time and enjoyed his friends at the Cedar Crest community. Melvin also enjoyed attending many family holidays and events with Natalie's daughter and son-in-law Rhoda Freeman and Dan Freeman who included Melvin as part of their family.
