Springfield remembers Ed Cohen, neighborhood photographer and metropolis fixture

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — Springfield is saying goodbye to Ed Cohen, a neighborhood photographer who spent practically half a century documenting town – from weddings and child images to on a regular basis life.

Cohen’s archive spans 50 years and consists of photos of icons reminiscent of Muhammad Ali alongside the on a regular basis residents of Springfield.

Judy Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield, mentioned Cohen was greater than a photographer. He was a fixture of town. “He was everywhere. Like, you know, I just saw him like a week ago… I’m trying to think where I saw him last because he was everywhere,” she defined.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno referred to as Cohen an “ace community photographer” and mentioned “He was a kind and affable gentleman who, even with his continued health challenges, kept going.”

When Cohen was not behind the digital camera, he was behind the microphone at WTCC 90.7 FM, the place he shared his love for what he referred to as “great Black music jazz.”

Radio host Moya Smith, who knew Cohen personally, mentioned his influence prolonged past images. “Ed was the fabric of the city of Springfield, like I said, specifically for a community that has been overlooked for forever,” Smith defined.

Smith added that Cohen served as a mentor who pushed others to search out their very own voices. “There’s going to be no replacement for Ed. I don’t know that anyone will ever fill his shoes,” Smith famous.

Smith additionally mirrored on their shut relationship. “We were very close. He was going to show up at anything I did. I don’t know how it’s going to feel when he doesn’t show up,” she mentioned.