Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Written by the family

Bertram Allan Cohen Udovin, Capt (Ret) USNR, age 92, of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Oakmonte Village (since October 2016) Lake Mary, passed away on July 14, 2017, at his residence following a sudden illness. He was born on Nov. 9, 1924, in Boston, Mass., to Elsie H. and Harry Cohen.

Bert started his naval career during WWII as a Navy flight officer working in the Pacific theater. At war’s end he entered Brown University. He was called back into active duty during the Korean War and served for 12 years. Bert continued his naval career in the Reserves until 1985. His total naval military service was 38 years. Bert’s love for the Navy continued with his civilian career at Naval Air Systems Command in the 1980s until his retirement.

Bert’s passion for magic began in the 1950s where he learned tricks to keep his naval students attention when teaching. That early magic blossomed into 67 years of balloon dogs and magic for every child (and many adults!) he met no matter where the meeting might be. He performed and taught magic to all ages up until the week he passed away—teaching the residents of his Oakmonte Village.

His birth father, Harry Cohen, passed away from Rheumatic fever when Bert was 2. He was later adopted when his mom, Elsie, married Hyman Udovin.

Captain Udovin is survived by his wife of 18 years, Frances E. Udovin; his two sisters, Judith (Frank) Kosofsky of Cranston, R.I., and Barbara Udovin of Brookline, Mass .; and his three daughters, Cheryl Udovin (Donald Griffis, Jr) of Pensacola, Fla., Lani (Jack) Phillips of Pittsboro, Fla., and Lisa Thorpe (fiancé Neil Brown) of Altamonte Springs; his step-sons, Bill Smith, Lee (Carmen) Smith and Duane Smith; his grandchildren, Jessica (Ryan) Kalb, Danielle Thorpe, Rebecca Thorpe, Shane (Leslie) Smith, David Smith and Kimberly Smith. He also had five great-grandchildren, Ronan and Reed Kalb, Jack Streb, and Skylar and Avery Smith. He is also survived by many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bert never met a stranger and his loss will be felt far and wide, as he was loved by all who knew him.

A funeral service, with full military honors, was held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with Rabbi Arnold Siegel officiating. In memory of Bertram Udovin, the family requests contributions to organizations which were dear to his heart: the Jewish Community Center Security Fund, 851 Maitland Avenue, Maitland 32751, or Honor Flight Inc, attn: Diane Gresse, 175 S Turtle Road, Springfield, OH 45505, http://www.honorflight.org/donate. Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel. 640 Lee Road, Orlando 32810, 407-599-1180.