January Obituaries

Jay Gordon Cohen

Age 98, of Wilmington, DE formerly of Midlothian, VA, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025.

Jay was born on July 5, 1927, in Jacksonville, FL, the second child of the late Frances Greenwald Cohen and Herman Cohen. He grew up in Wilmington, DE with his older brother, Bernard, and younger sister, Sydney. After he served in the U. S. Navy from 1994 to 1945, Jay stayed in the Navy Reserves and went on to Jewelry School in New Castle, PA. He apprenticed with a jeweler in Wilmington and later opened his own shop. He built his jewelry business, eventually marrying Miriam (nee Landsman) Cohen in 1951. Jay and Miriam had two sons, Arthur (1954) and Paul (1956).

In 1959, Jay opened, with partners Andrew Gallagher Sr. and Harry Rofel, a branch of Continental Jewelers. He grew the business until his career took him to New York City in 1977.

Life in New York was exciting and fulfilling with the second love of his life, Marian, and sons, Brian Johnson (1963) and Paul Johnson (1966).

Jay enjoyed photography, for which he earned assorted amateur competition awards. He diligently documented family history, leaving a valued record for generations to come. A man of gentle nature, with kindness and a keen intellect, he leaves behind his wife, Marian; his sister, Cyd; four sons, Art (Cathy), Paul (Eileen), Brian (Joyce), and Paul (Kristin); as well as six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations in Jay’s name to Delaware Hospice (www.delawarehospice. org) or Jewish Family Services Richmond (https://jfsrichmond.org/donate).

Richard Bernard Flippen

Age 95, passed away November 8, 2025. Born August 23, 1930 in Williamson, WV, he was the son of the late Ralph and Mildred (nee Strahan) Flippen. Richard received his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and his PhD from Carnegie Mellon. He worked as a research physicist at Dupont for decades.

Preceded in death by his brother, William; Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy (nee Miller); son, Alan (Joey); daughter, Annette (Jeff); grandchildren, Rachel and Nicole.

Dr. Gershon Klein

Dr. Gershon A. Klein passed away on Wednesday, November 26 at the age of 86. Gershon is survived by his wife, Goldie; sister, Barbara Miller; three children: Philip Klein, Sandy Bryan, and Ted Klein; and six grandchildren.

Gershon was a long-time pediatrician in Newark, Delaware. He spent 31 years in the Delaware Army National Guard and retired as a Brigadier General and State Surgeon General. He also co-founded Albert Einstein Academy in 1970. Gershon enjoyed playing tennis and kayaking.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to Albert Einstein Academy.

Joseph Edward Rich

Joseph Edward Rich, M.D., 78, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away November 29, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee, while visiting family for Thanksgiving.

Born in Wasserburg am Inn, Germany, to Hungarian Holocaust survivors, Joseph was the son of a resistance fighter who survived a work camp and a mother who survived by hiding in Budapest. The family immigrated to Rockland County, New York, when Joseph was a child.

Dr. Rich graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1968 and earned his medical degree from the University of Saarland, Germany, in 1976. He completed OBGYN training at Stanford University and delivered approximately 3,900 babies throughout his distinguished career. Dr. Rich served as an Air Force base physician in Oklahoma City, responding as first physician during the 1995 bombing. He later provided medical assistance after Hurricane Katrina.

A man of boundless curiosity and infectious enthusiasm, Dr. Rich’s greatest passion was travel. Over a decade, he visited more than 270 countries and provinces, often solo, staying in hostels, riding cargo ships, and documenting each journey in detailed travel logs.
Dr. Rich brought joy through elaborate adventures and magical experiences for those he loved. In his final years in Delaware, he found community through his synagogue and the Jewish Community Center, treasuring weekly family gatherings and working to strengthen bonds with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his children Elizabeth (Kristian), Julia (Henry), and Alexander (Svetlana); eight grandchildren; his brother David (Bey); and his niece.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jane Goodall Institute at https://www.janegoodall.org. 

Bonnie Sherr

Bonnie Sherr (nee Milgrom) of Wilmington, DE, passed away on November 5, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves behind her children Erik, Scott (Nancy), Charles (Beth), Kate (Thomas), and Rachel (Francis); as well as her seven grandchildren. She will also be greatly missed by her dear friend and colleague, Meredith Rosenthal, whom we consider to be part of our family.

She is predeceased by her loving husband of over 30 years, Selvino Cericola; as well as her first husband, Herb Sherr; and her sister, Adrienne Edelstein.

Born in Philadelphia in December 1946, Bonnie was a graduate of Germantown High School and attended the University of Delaware. She was a role model for businesswomen in the community. She spent years as a well-respected, celebrated real estate agent, who was known for being bold, confident, and creative.

Although she spent a lot of time committed to beautifying the city, Bonnie was just as passionate about her non-profit work. She spent years volunteering, fundraising, and helping with events. She served on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association of the Delaware Valley and was a founder with the Fund for Women.

Bonnie was just as active in her everyday life. She loved to exercise and travel all over the world. She was also a wonderful mother and grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and never missed the chance to celebrate them.

She will be dearly missed by her family, her friends, and her peers.

In lieu of flowers, please join us in making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter online at alz.org or by mail to 399 Market Street, Suite 250, Philadelphia, PA 19106.