The Funeral for Eric Cohen - July 29, 2021

Today, we attended the funeral of Eric Cohen to celebrate his life and share our love with his family. There were at least 100 people packing Pastor Roberto's church, which is the largest funeral I have attended for a person living on the streets. Eric was remembered for his kindness to others and his desire to be a good son, father, boyfriend, brother, and friend.

People offered the following examples of his caring heart: "When I was alone in Brockton and didn't know anyone, sleeping in the entrance to a church, Eric watched over me all night to make sure I was safe." "Eric would never take more than he needed, and often gave away what he had (like tents and sleeping bags), to those who had even less than he did and he would then sleep under a truck." "Eric helped people new to the streets to figure out how to live safely and where to go for help." "Eric was my accountability partner, to stay out of trouble and to avoid drugs." "I was working with Eric on a manual labor job (packing a shipping crate in 90 degree heat) when my back gave out, and he finished the job without me and still made sure I got my full pay." "Eric was my prayer partner, and the week before he died he asked me for a Bible and said he was coming to know Jesus."

Debbie shared that Eric always talked about his kids. He was so proud of them! And how we wanted so much for his dad to understand him and to be proud of him. For my part, I will close these memories by sharing one of my own. Eric was one of my favorites (we're not supposed to have favorites but...). Since Eric was Jewish, he was often a little freaked out by how easily and often we spoke about who Jesus is to us, and why we serve people in need on the streets. Before long though, he and I developed a ritual. As we parted ways I would always say, "Hey Eric, I love you man! But you know who loves you more?" And Eric would turn around and smile at me and say, "I know, I know, Jesus!" Thank you to Pastor Roberto, Rabbi Henri, Will Newton, and Donna Elliot for a wonderful memorial and funeral for our friend Eric Cohen. Thank you to Eric's family for sharing your son, brother, boyfriend, and father with us. Godspeed Eric! Rest in Peace with Jesus!