I am 75 years of age. I have known Arnold Cohen since I can remember. I was born knowing cousin Arnold. Arnold was a 2nd cousin of my mother, Irene Gavendo. His Dad, Uncle Heime, was my Mom’s 1st cousin on the Singer female side of the family . So, my fondest memories as a young boy was to be a part of the “family circle” on that Singer side of the family. Dinners. Passover. Hannukah celebrations. My fondest memories since they were of my FAMILY. Most of those people are now gone. My Mom. My Dad. My Aunt Ray. My Uncle Willie Gavenda. Arnold’s parents, his brother, Harris. Arnolds Aunts and Uncles. All Gone. Arnold and his sister, Gloria, in my world were the links to that past. My Golden Age!
Growing up to my adulthood, I lost Arnold. We had moved from NY to North Carolina and ultimately to SAN FRANCISCO. Arnold still lived in NYC so there was little to no contact until I was well into adulthood, a now physician and father of two boys. It was Arnold who reached out to my mother Irene, my two sisters and my brothers. His reaching out had to do with the fact that he was to marry the love of his life, Barbara. In fact, if my memory is true, Arnold and Barbara gave me the honor of signing his Jewish marriage certificate or Ketubah.
From that time on Arnold has been a constant in my life and the life of my family.
Arnold in my mind still remained the bridge to my “Golden Age.” Arnold, the bridge to my family memories. Arnold, I will miss you terribly. I will miss your gentle smile. I will miss your hearty laugh. I will miss your hugs. I will miss your constant in my life.
Cousin Elliot Krames