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

Martin Scott Cohn, age 55, of Winter Park, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020, at AdventHealth—Winter Park. Martin was born in Miami, Fla., on Feb. 6, 1965, to Norman L. Cohn and the late Charlotte Rosenbleeth Cohn. Martin grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., graduating from Choctawhatchee High School in 1982. Following graduation, Martin worked in radio and was known as “Scotty Martin” on air for WNUE and WYZB in Fort Walton Beach and as “Martin Ellesar” at WQUH in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., in the late 1980s. Martin made his living in the hospitality industry, managing hotels in Destin, Fla., and North Carolina during his career.

Martin’s true passion was theater and he performed in a variety of professional and community theater productions throughout his life, including The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island, N.C., the Florida Theatre Conference and Birmingham Children’s theatre productions. Her performed in and directed many shows with Stage Crafters Community Theatre in his hometown of Fort Walton Beach over the years. Martin understood Shakespeare in ways that very few people can. In a pinch on stage, he could (and sometimes did) improvise realistic Shakespearean dialogue. He was proud to be involved in the Montford Park Players in Asheville, N.C.—North Carolina’s longest running Shakespeare theatere company. Martine was a great conversationalist and he could speak intelligently on almost any subject but most notable on British history and the works of J.R.R. Tolkein.

Martin relocated to the Orlando area from Asheville, N.C., to be closer to family as he struggled with kidney disease.

Martin is survived by his daughters, Monique King of North Carolina and Keslea Hernandez of North Carolina; his father, Norman (Laura) Cohn of Pottstown, Pa .; his sister, Barbara Rizk of Beaverton, Oregon; his brothers, Adam (Laura Beth) Cohn of Winter Garden and John Macey Cohn of Pottstown; and grandson, Anthony Cohn of North Carolina, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a abundance of friends.

A private family service was held at Temple Israel Cemetery, Gotha, with Rabbi Arnold Siegel officiating. Martin’s extended family and friends are invited to participate in a virtual memorial tribute to Martin. Contributions in Martin’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando FL 32810, 407-599-1180, http://www.bethshalommemorialchapel.com.