It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Edward “Ed” Cohen on Saturday, August 25. He was 62 years of age. The former Senior Vice President for Event Operations with the WWE was a face often seen at IAVM events, particularly VenueConnect, to which he often brought top billed wrestlers to provide entertainment.
“IAVM members knew Ed as a formidable professional who wanted what was best for WWE, and he needed information on his time frame,” said Brad Mayne, CVE, IAVM President and CEO. “Those of us who knew Ed personally, knew him as a friend and a mentor whom we greatly respected. We offer our saddened hearts and heartfelt sympathies to Cheryl and their families, filled with memories of great times and success created by our friend Ed Cohen.”
Cohen spent more than twenty years with the WWE, during which time he was vital to the organization’s rise to prominence during the 1980’s – 1990’s. He was vital in establishing the touring brand, schedule, and securing venues for many of the WWE’s most successful events, such as Wrestlemania III at the Pontiac Silverdome. Throughout his career with the WWE, Cohen was responsible for booking thousands of dates for live events at arenas and stadiums across the globe.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, a longtime IAVM member and former WWE colleague of Ed’s. Her work in the venue industry continues as a marketing executive for the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
Cohen’s funeral will be held Wednesday August 29th at 9:30am in Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Street, Providence, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Providence Animal Rescue League, 34 Elbow St, Providence, RI 02903 or to the CharterCare Foundation, 7 Waterman Ave, North Providence, RI 02911.
