Longtime Maplewood resident Arthur Cohen passed away peacefully yesterday, August 10. Arthur was diagnosed with ALS, the progressive neurodegenerative disease, in 2013. In the months following his diagnosis, he and his wife Janet Coviello created Pickals, a jarred pickle business that raises funds to combat ALS and which was recently picked up by Kings for its 24 retail locations.
Cohen was a photographer, husband and father of two. His humility despite success was remarkable. His sense of humor in the face of adversity was astonishing.
Tributes have been pouring in on Facebook:
“Arthur touched our lives in so many positive ways. There has been no one in our lives more positive and kind to all that surrounded him.” — Mitch Taube
“The world lost a giant yesterday. RIP Arthur Cohen.” — Jane Hanstein Cunniffe
“He overflowed with joy and life. I know it’s just a phrase, but he didn’t ‘lose his battle’ with ALS in my book — he beat this damned disease with loving, kindness and humor. WE lost the opportunity to make more memories with him, but his life lessons, legacy, and memories made are very much alive in all of us.” — Andrea Lytle Peet
“Arthur Cohen was so much more than just a great photographer. He was a kind and funny person who made you feel good. I learned only recently that he had been diagnosed with ALS. But in typical Arthur fashion, he took that diagnosis and used it to help people by starting Pickals making and selling pickles to raise money for ALS research. I wish they were available on the west coast, but since they aren’t, l’ll urge everyone out here to make a donation to find a cure for this terrible disease. Arthur, you were one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew you.” — Bethany Staelens
Village Green will post an obituary and information on services when they become available.
Support the PickALS cause here: pickals.org.
Related coverage of Arthur:
Maplewood Resident Creates ‘Pickals’ Offering a Cuke for a Cure
Pickals Foundation Sells Out SOPAC Fundraiser, Keeps Pushing Pickals