Losing One of Our Own

By Justin Brovenick

In early April of this year, we said goodbye to a longtime member of The COSAC Foundation: Michael Bryan Cohen.

Michael came into this world in the New York area and was raised in the borough of Staten Island. When Michael was entering his teen years, his family decided to relocate to Coral Springs in sunny South Florida.

During his formative years and into adulthood, Michael discovered his love of animals — specifically horses and dogs. Beginning with mastering the art of grooming dogs, and then horses, his path was apparent. He was able to channel this passion into several opportunities involving living in, and managing, facilities dedicated to the care and well-being of his furry friends.

Life intervened and Michael began to struggle with issues that are common to many. Instead of letting these obstacles define him, he began a successful transition to a life serving the homeless and those in need. As a valued member of The COSAC Foundation, Michael worked in outreach towards the homeless community in South Florida. Helping out at the shelters, especially during the pandemic, will be part of his legacy.

This experience landed him in charge of a COSAC shelter and motel, the Veterans Inn in Lake City, where his abilities earned him the respect of the local area. In the last six months of his life, Michael experienced a shift in his priorities that would have defined his future. He discovered he had a grown son, Jeremiah. Immediately proud of his son’s military career, Michael was able to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2022 with his new found family. Early in 2023, they even enjoyed a snowboarding trip together that foretold a future of special moments.

But this was not to be. The humans in his life — his family and colleagues — will miss him, and his beloved animals Puddin’, Lucy, Sushi and Anubis will remember him always.