Gabriel Shane Cohen – Altmaier Funeral Homes and Crematory
Gabriel Shane Cohen, 38, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 16, 2023. Gabriel is survived by his wife Hannah, son Gabriel Shane II (age 13), and daughters Eden Grace (age 10) and Olive Mae. (9); his parents Sammy and Dana, brother Daniel (Melissa, Abigail, Josiah, Isaac, and Caleb); In-laws George and Patty and Hannah’s siblings and their children.
Gabriel (Gabby) was born on February 23, 1985 in Norfolk. He attended Norfolk Christian Schools through high school, graduating in 2003. He attended George Mason University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in government and international politics with a minor in legal studies in 2007. He met his wife, Hannah, in his third year at George Mason and they married on June 24, 2007 in A wonderful ceremony surrounded by family and friends in Virginia Beach. They are blessed with three beautiful children.
Gabriel was the baby of his family and the happiest baby, full of big smiles and adorable dimples. He had an idyllic childhood surrounded by loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more friends than anyone could imagine. He was born with a natural talent for sports and in his youth focused on baseball. He played T-ball, Little, and Pony leagues at the Lynnhaven Baseball Fields, and continued to play American Legion. During his time at Norfolk Christian, he played JV and Varsity Baseball (captain), Varsity Basketball, and Varsity Volleyball, culminating in Most Outstanding Male Athlete honors in 2003. While at Norfolk Christian HS, Gabriel sang in Chorus and Windsong. He participated in several clubs (Bio-Eco, Snow, Spanish, Surf, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes), was elected to Student Council several times, and was very proud of his years as a summer sports camp counselor for the Kids Into program. Fun and Fitness (KIFF). Gabriel then took his servant’s heart and passion for sharing the love of Jesus Christ, to George Mason, where he joined the Crusade for Christ (CRU), in addition to attending school. Here Gabriel made lifelong friendships, led worship and Bible studies, and mentored and advised new students. He served a mission trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and spent the summer learning and spreading the gospel in San Diego.
After graduating from college, Gabriel began his search for a career, working in the restaurant industry for 7 years (Chili’s, Cafe Mocha, Waterman) before discovering his true calling in marketing. He worked at Seventh Point in VA Beach for about 3 years before making one of the biggest changes of his life, moving to Chicago in 2016, where he truly excelled in marketing and digital media at Starcom, Mindshare, and eventually Magnite. At the age of 37, he became Director of Agency Development at Magnite, a huge accomplishment for someone his age, but a true testament to his dedication and talent.
However, no one will ever doubt Gabriel’s true passion and ultimate focus, which is his family. He was a devoted husband and father to his children. He loved nothing more than being in their presence. Gabe loved cooking for his family and involved his children in the process. They bonded over preparing meals together and enjoying the results. Gabriel learned gardening from his grandfather and continues the tradition, even in Chicago, where the weather can be a challenge for plants. His family built deep relationships in their church and were surrounded by many friends who took part in camping trips and many special events they hosted in their home and out in their community. The Gabriel family made frequent trips to Virginia in the summer and winter, to spend time with immediate family, as well as extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Servant Gabriel’s heart knew no bounds, but the never ending love he had for his wife, children and entire family will be his legacy forever that will sustain us until we meet again.
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
A memorial service for Gabriel will be held on Saturday, November 25 at 11:00 a.m., with the family receiving guests at 10:00 a.m., at Altmeyer Funeral Home in Virginia Beach (5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462). A family graveside service will follow in Colonial Grove Memorial Park. A reception will follow at 2:00 PM at the Altmeyer.
Flowers can be sent directly to the funeral home or donations in Gabriel’s honor can be made to CRU at Give.cru.org.
