Carrying the Light Forward: Pamela Cohen on Perry’s Legacy and the Power of Education
Written by Lori Griffith
In Jupiter, Perry Cohen is often remembered through moments frozen in time by public attention. But to his mother, Pamela Cohen, Perry’s story has always been defined by joy, kindness, and a deep love for life in the place he called home.
“It’s important to me that Perry is remembered as a kind, thoughtful, caring, fun, loving, and really happy person,” Pamela says. “He was immensely funny, loved to laugh and joke, and had a way of making everyone around him feel included.”
Perry was, in every sense, a Jupiter kid. He was often barefoot and shirtless, skateboard under his arm, moving through the neighborhood with ease. He snorkeled under Cato’s Bridge, surfed with friends in Juno Beach, and spent countless hours fishing. As soon as he was old enough, he took a job at a local tackle shop, worked fishing tournaments, and weighed in fish. He loved living here, and he fully embodied the outdoor, ocean-centered lifestyle that defines the community.
Beyond his connection to the water, Perry had an old soul. He was empathetic and deeply present, someone who could pause to appreciate the small moments that make a day meaningful. Pamela recalls how he openly shared what he liked and how it made him feel, a rare
quality for a teenager. He was a loyal friend and a gifted athlete whose speed and skill made him a game changer on the baseball field. At home, he was a devoted cousin and brother, never too old or too cool to sit on the floor building sandcastles or playing with younger family members.
“He was trustworthy, compassionate, and incredibly connected to people of all ages,” Pamela says. “He loved animals, and if he saw a dog or cat that needed help, he brought them home to make sure they were safe. If an animal was injured, he insisted we take it to Loggerhead or Busch Wildlife Center. He was fascinated by marine life and felt a responsibility to protect it.”
That sense of responsibility and care lives on through the Perry J. Cohen Foundation, which Pamela founded alongside Perry’s stepfather, Nicholas Korniloff. The Foundation was created to carry forward what Perry cared about most and to ensure that his spirit continues to shape lives in a positive and lasting way.
“What I wish people understood is that Perry was so much more than what happened to him,” Pamela says. “He was a really happy teenager becoming a young man. He had a warm heart, boundless energy, and a way of connecting with everyone.”
Turning profound loss into meaningful action was not easy, but it felt necessary. “Losing Perry shattered our world,” Pamela shares. “But even in the earliest days, I kept coming back to the feeling I had his whole life. He was meant to change the world in some way. He had a spark that drew people in, and we could not let that disappear.”
Almost immediately, the idea of channeling grief into education and impact began to take shape. With Nick taking the lead and the support of friends, community leaders, business associates, and local partners, the Foundation found structure and purpose. “Everyone’s dedication helped us honor Perry and our community by making a meaningful difference,” Pamela explains.
Education sits at the center of the Foundation’s work. Its four pillars include boating safety, marine and wildlife education and preservation, the arts, and teenage entrepreneurship. Each reflects Perry’s passions and the belief that learning opens doors to confidence, creativity, and connection.
“We have always believed in learning as the foundation of everything,” Pamela says. “Whether it is understanding the ocean, expressing yourself through art, building something entrepreneurial, or staying safe on the water, education makes life richer and more meaningful.”
Boating safety, in particular, became a cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission. Perry himself had taken the United States Coast Guard Boating Safety Course and was proud to earn his Boating Safety Education Identification Card. Nick even purchased a boat specifically so Perry could gain hands-on experience.
“That was how we approached everything,” Pamela says. “Not just reading about it, but practicing it. Hands-on experience saves lives.”
That philosophy now lives on through the Perry J. Cohen Boating Safety and Ocean Stewardship Course, developed in partnership with Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Chapman School of Seamanship. The free, two-day course is designed for teens and young adults and blends classroom learning with on-water training led by experienced captains and conservation scientists.
The curriculum includes boating laws, safety equipment, navigation, emergency response, Florida marine life, and marine wildlife protection, including boat strike prevention. Upon completion, participants meet the requirements to earn their Boating Safety Education Identification Card, which is required to operate most powerboats in Florida.
“Young people often feel invincible,” Pamela says. “We all did at that age. But the ocean is powerful, and conditions can change instantly. Education teaches preparation, and preparation is lifesaving. Communication tools
like VHF radios and EPIRBs are not optional. They are essential.”
Offering the program free of charge was a deliberate decision. “Every young person should have access to this kind of education,” Pamela explains. “Even if a family does not own a boat, a friend or neighbor might. All it takes is one invitation for a teen to be on the water. Removing financial barriers ensures safety is not a privilege.”
For Pamela and her family, seeing young people learn to respect the ocean and gain confidence on the water is deeply fulfilling. “It keeps Perry’s memory alive,” she says. “Knowing that through his life we can give back to the community, inspire young people, protect wildlife, and care for our environment brings us peace.”
If Perry were watching the program unfold today, Pamela believes he would be proud. Proud that something meaningful continues in his name. Proud that it reflects what he loved. Proud that it is supported by the community that shaped him.
“He loved the ocean. He loved fishing and diving. He loved sharing those things with people,” she says. “Seeing kids out on the water learning, having fun, and gaining confidence would make him light up.”
When Pamela reflects on the Foundation today, what brings her peace is knowing that Perry’s spirit continues to move through the world in tangible ways. “Nothing will ever fill the space of losing my child,” she says. “But seeing the good that has grown from who he was brings a softness to the grief. A piece of him is still here, still inspiring others.”
And in Jupiter, through education, stewardship, and a legacy rooted in love, Perry’s light continues to guide the way forward.
