By Daily Press staff
Seymour Aaron Cohen passed away peacefully Feb. 27 at his home in Avalon, Calif. He was 78.
Born on April 1, 1924 in Denver, Colo., Seymour moved to Venice where he was a star center on the football team at Venice High School.
After graduating in 1942, Seymour became staff sergeant, chief petty officer, rifle and pistol sharpshooter and cook in the Marines. He was involved in the assault and capture of Iwo Jima.
Seymour married his bride, Helen Patterson, on Nov. 7, 1948. Soon after they settled in Santa Monica, where Seymour practiced real estate and was very active in the community and civic events. He was on the Planning Commission for several years, supported local school initiatives and served as Mayor Pro Tem. Additionally, Seymour was president of Kiwanis, president of the Santa Monica Board of Realtors and president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica. He was honored by these and other organizations, including the NCCJ.
Seymour and Helen moved to their home in Avalon on Catalina Island in 1997. He was active in the VFW of Avalon and played poker with the “boys”. He loved Avalon, where he could golf two times in one day if he wanted, was a big supporter of the Avalon Municipal Hospital, and could often be seen in town with “Barney.”
Survived by his wife, Helen; children Diana and Mark Wright, Jay Cohen, Sandi Cohen, Terri and Jay Decker and 10 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; his brother Marvin Cohen and many loving nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica and Avalon Municipal Hospital.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 11, 2003. Read the original PDF.