Howard Cohen

Obituary

HOWARD COHEN
May 1, 1944 - April 19, 2024
It is with tremendous sorrow that I announce the passing of a true Renaissance man, Howard Cohen, who left us at the age of 79 due to a heart attack. He was a man who did it all, seen it all, and certainly did it his way. He was a tasteful blend of intellectual, creative, and personality traits that always made him the most interesting man in the room. Howard is survived by his wife, Dianna. His love and adoration for her knew no bounds. He never missed a day telling her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. She brought a key element to his life, peace. Howard loved to have fun, laugh, and make memories. Howard was caring and generous, had class and panache, was a great wingman, and was a real pal. He was always there for his friends when needed. Howard had a knack for ensuring the kind of service he desired, often utilizing what he called "the green ticket".

He displayed great generosity towards organizations dedicated to assisting less fortunate members of society. The man was like a key master because he could open any door. There was never a "No" with Howard Cohen. Like a true genius, he could intuitively improvise his way through any situation. He possessed a unique ability to think beyond conventional boundaries. Howard enjoyed playing tennis and loved to swim. He was multifaceted, a master negotiator, a fascinating storyteller, and wasted no time getting things done. He was loved and appreciated, while also being feared and respected. Howard Gary Cohen was born in Manhattan, NY, on May 1, 1944. Shortly after his birth, his parents, Dorothy and Jack Cohen, moved to Miami Beach, FL, where Howard spent his formative years and developed his character. Howard received a baseball scholarship to play 3B at the University of Miami and would later play minor-league ball for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was #3 in your program but #1 in your heart. He was surrounded by some of the era's most powerful and influential people. As a child, he would dine at Jimmy Hoffa's house and sit on his lap. After years of proving his worth being streetwise, savvy, and an overall wise guy, Howard relocated to Las Vegas, NV.

He began dealing Blackjack, but it wasn't long before he became an executive at Caesar's Palace. Howard had extensive knowledge of the gaming industry. He met high rollers from all over the world and utilized his great networking skills to engage in several side projects that led him to new and interesting places. Howard owned a racehorse named Boofa Shoes. He raced her at Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Los Alamitos, where she finished dead last in every race. During his pal Frank Sinatra's performance in Miami, Howard arranged for his mother and her friends to attend. Sinatra surprised them by singing a song directly to her booth, concluding with birthday wishes from Howard. Howard had a creative mind that ultimately led him to Hollywood, Howard was proudly signed by CAA, where he had instant success. Howard became an accomplished television Executive producer and maintained close relationships with cable and broadcast networks. In 2000, he sold the show "Cuck Zito's Street Justice" to the USA network.

His next show, "Las Vegas Law" for Court TV, starring his friend and best man Bucky Buchanan. During this time, Howard founded Outside the Box Entertainment and co-founded iO Film, a feature film post-production company that was on the cutting edge of film digital color correcting and mastering. The company became the go-to facility for Hollywood's independent films. It cemented its reputation when the movie Crash, which iO Film mastered, won three Academy Awards, including for Best Picture and Best Editing. Soon after, Howard led the company to its new 26,000 square foot location in the heart of Hollywood, just off Sunset Boulevard. They contributed to other films such as Monster, Saved, Black Christmas, The Messengers, and The Celestine Prophecy, just to name a few. Through his work, Howard left an indelible mark on the industry, earning the respect and admiration of peers and audiences alike. After his Hollywood career concluded, Howard returned to Las Vegas, where he continued to be an active member of the community. He devoted the rest of his life to loving and supporting his wife, Dianna, ensuring she had everything she needed, personally and professionally.

Howard took great pride in being a devoted husband, always being there for her. Sadly, Howard Cohen passed away the morning after their 34th anniversary, with his beloved wife by his side. 

- Justin Brandwein

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June 12, 2025

Howard was my friend

Randall D'Anna

April 17, 2025

I don't know how, when, or why, but some many months ago, last year now, I came across the name Howard Cohen, and I have no idea why, from whom, or where I was, at work, watching the main news later in the evening while eating my dinner; I just dont know, but, for some reason I wrote it on post-it note, and I just found it lying here on my junkyard of a desk under some other post-it's. And I looked at it and wondered for ages, like, Why have I got this mans name on a post it. So, as one does, I googled it, and here I am on the web page reading all about him.

All I can tell you is that, since I was a kid I have known that I am psychic and I do occasionally receive things in my head, like, angelic messages of one kind or another; but I don't know if it is just a coincidence here in this or not, bcoz I can't say that I have picked up on anything that I can cite, per sé, but, for some reason, this jumped out at me this evening, and got me to google the name; and so, here I am, and I'm not sure if that in itself is the message or not, but, I am not a skeptic in this things either. So, if it means anything to you, hello from me, here in London GB/UK, and I lost my little brother last May 3rd due to a secondary Aneurysm, which hit him while he was on his own at home in Owen Sound Ontario, Canada, he'd had the first one during the Christmas before, and he only just survived that; but when his wife went out to work on the 3rd of May, it came-on again, and on his own he did not stand a chance. So, from that perspective, I can fully commiserate with you over your own personal loss; I'm still feeling it too; both out parents are gone from horrible things, my mom in August 1999 and our father from age related maladies at pushing 90, but my bro was just 60. I too had a bleed-out of my own in April 2019, for two days here on my own, blood pouring out of my nose & mouth; fortunately for me, it found a way out, it burst through my sinuses and so, the cranial pressure was released into the outside world, but my brother's did not, and he passed. What can we do, such is life, it is so fragile, we must all take really good care of ourselves. If only Howard had taken just little better care of his body weight and got his BP checked each month, I reckon he would have made 90, if not more.

I'm 66 now and I take a lot of things to keep myself in good order after I had my life scare experience / wake-up-call.

Obesity is a killer, heart disease is a silent killer, as is Hypertension.

Anyway, if it helps, I will be with you in spirit in two days time on the 19th, and will think of Howard with you, I can tell that he was a really great Man, and I can feel how much you are missing him.

I'm not a medium or anything like that, I don't do that; but if I hear anything I will let you know asap,

Yours most sincerely; Angelo Luberto years ago, to fit in with a Spanish / Italian GF I had back then; I maintain it bcoz I really like my name tbh, so, I'm Angel to a few, in Spain, Angelito to one or two, other wise Angelo, Luberto. It's a pleasure to meet you, albeit this way.

Ciao, for now, Love to all over there.

Angelo.Luberto@protonmail.com

Angel Lubert

March 8, 2025

Howie was a shining shooting star. Always a light in his eyes he loved the world and everyone who knew him was better for it.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him and it’s my loss but I will always remember him and lovely Lady Di; I wish you peace.

Patrick Christoff

February 15, 2025

Howie was a doll. I loved him. We met in 1967 at the Carousel Casino downtown I was a singing impressionist Dean and Elvis were my best. . . Howie loved them. He tried to get me to Jack Entrater at the Sands but it was no to be. He pulled for me my whole career and that was an act of love. Howie was an act of love. We never spent time together but there was love between us. I was honored to be his friend. Bless you Dianna and love to you ❤️

pete willcox

June 4, 2024

My Mom and I were in the car with Dianna & Howard when they announced they were getting married. I was thrilled and honored when Dianna asked me to be her Maid of Honor. It was a beautiful celebration of their love for one another. Over the years, I witnessed how devoted and deeply in love they were. Everyday was a honeymoon. Howard was loved by our family and we will miss him very much. He livened up every occasion with his wit; he was very entertaining. Love you, Howard; I know you are making everyone in Heaven laugh.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.
From an Irish headstone

Peggy Ford

Family tree

Dorothy Cohen

Jack Cohen

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