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A Tribute to Our Founder & Friend, Ronald B. Cohen

Ron was not just our founder, he was a great friend and champion for all entrepreneurs and for the community.

There are no words to express how much we will miss Ron. He brought great energy and passion to everything he did, from creating a phenomenal firm, to backing the Cleveland Guardians during the tough times, to helping communities and entrepreneurs who deeply valued his advice and counsel.

But his greatest legacy by far is his loving and devoted family, including his late wife, Marilyn, their three daughters, Tammy, Robbin and Heidi, eight wonderful grandchildren, and two beautiful great-grandchildren. Anyone who knew Ron knew his family was the real source of pride and joy in his life.

-- Chris Bellamy, CEO, and Randy Myeroff, former CEO

Cohen & Company past and present CEOs – Ron Cohen, Rich Bongorno, Randy Myeroff and Chris Bellamy

To donate in Ron's memory, please make your check payable to Cohen & Company Community Foundation and send to Cohen & Company Community Foundation, 1350 Euclid Ave., #800, Cleveland, OH 44115. For questions, please contact Erica Moran.

Built on Foresight & Passion

Ron built his reputation on a dual passion for the tax code, and helping entrepreneurs and their businesses succeed. He founded Cohen & Company in 1977 to create a firm that would serve this unique segment in a way they hadn’t been served before. Early on, the firm had impressive growth because Ron was passionate about building a culture of deep technical expertise and outstanding service; it was his intense commitment to cultivating young leaders that allowed the firm to thrive long beyond his tenure.

Ron remained active in the firm for many years after his formal retirement in 1999, mentoring entrepreneurs, educating new hires on the firm’s history, writing and editing various firm publications, volunteering his time in the community and advising firm leadership.

Ron’s passion certainly extended to northeast Ohio sports. He was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeyes, but nothing meant more to Ron than rallying for the Cleveland Indians (Guardians). He was a long-time season ticket holder, member of the Wahoo Club and attended almost every home opener since 1957 to cheer on his favorite team. In fact, Ron virtually never missed a radio broadcast thanks to his ear piece that accompanied him wherever he went.

Accolades & Influence

Named “One of the Most Influential CPAs” in the 100-year history of the Ohio Society of CPAs, Ron’s dedication and reach was felt throughout the accounting industry. He held top positions at Cleveland’s Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and served as a delegate to the governor’s conference on small business. He also played major roles in National Small Business United; testified on tax and small business legislation before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and House committees; and advised legislators on small business issues. Ron also participated in the National Advisory Council of the Small Business Administration, influenced legislators and policymakers on small business issues, and was a frequent author and speaker for numerous publications on a variety of tax and business topics.

Ron’s long and storied career also includes many accolades, such as winning the Association for Corporate Growth’s Dealmaker Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honored with the Cascade Capital Corporation Lifetime Achievement Award, Cleveland Chapter ORT Man of the Year, Ohio Society of CPAs’ Public Service Award, Crain’s Cleveland Business Businessman of the Year and Ohio’s Accountant Advocate of the Year.

In 2022, Cohen & Company was proud to have collaborated with Ron's family to honor his vision and significant contributions through the endowment of the Ronald B. Cohen Forum on Entrepreneurship and Innovation at The City Club of Cleveland.

Do for Others

In addition to working side-by-side with the business and CPA communities, Ron was passionate about his charitable endeavors. He served on the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage Board of Trustees as Finance Chairman, Cleveland Museum of Art Planned Giving Council and various Greater Cleveland Partnership committees. Over the years Ron also dedicated time and attention to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Leadership Cleveland Alumni Steering Committee, Jewish Community Federation and Cuyahoga County Private Industry Council, among other organizations.

Ron's best gift to the community, however, was creating a culture within Cohen & Company that focused on serving others — a culture that remains front and center in the firm's foundational principles today and embraced by our 800+ professionals across the U.S.

“Do what’s best for other people, and you never have to worry about yourself.” – Ron Cohen

Ronald B. Cohen

May 17, 1934 - August 1, 2024

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A Tribute to Our Founder & Friend, Ronald B. Cohen

Built on Foresight & Passion

Accolades & Influence

Do for Others

Ronald B. Cohen