Our History

L’Dor v’Dor From Generation to Generation

For nearly 90 years, Feldman Mortuary & Memorial has been honored to serve Denver's Jewish community with compassion, dignity, and a steadfast commitment to Jewish tradition.

Our story began not with a plan to open a funeral home, but with a desire to serve a community.

In the late 1800s, my great-grandfather, Sam Feldman, moved with his family from Rochester, New York, to Denver seeking the benefits of Colorado's dry climate. A successful entrepreneur in the transportation business, Sam became aware of a challenge facing Denver's Jewish community.

At that time, many Jewish families cared for their loved ones at home and conducted funeral services themselves. What they often lacked was assistance from people who understood Jewish customs and traditions. Others had little choice but to rely on funeral homes unfamiliar with the religious and cultural practices that were so important to Jewish families.

Sam recognized the need for a funeral home rooted in the community it served—one that honored Jewish traditions, treated families with dignity and respect, and provided caring service at a fair price.

In April 1936, he opened Feldman's Mortuary at 1452 Tremont Street. It quickly became known throughout Denver as "the only Jewish hearse in Denver." More importantly, it became a trusted resource for families seeking compassionate care from people who understood their values, traditions, and faith.

Although Sam passed away unexpectedly in 1937, his impact on both the Jewish and greater Denver communities was profound. More than 1,500 people attended his funeral, including civic and community leaders, a testament to the respect and admiration he had earned during his lifetime.

Following Sam's death, his wife, Sadie, ensured the business continued until their son-in-law, Aaron Cohen, and daughter, Dorothy Feldman Cohen, assumed leadership. Aaron managed the day-to-day operations while Dorothy oversaw the business and, perhaps more importantly, maintained the personal connections that defined Feldman Mortuary.

Dorothy possessed an extraordinary memory for families, relationships, and life stories. She understood that serving a community means truly knowing the people within it. That philosophy remains part of our culture today.

In 1939, Aaron and Dorothy moved the funeral home to its current home at 1673 York Street. They expanded the facility to support traditional Jewish practices, including dedicated Tahara and Shomer rooms, while continuing to strengthen Feldman Mortuary's role within Denver's Jewish community. For more than four decades, they carried forward the vision Sam had established.

In 1980, my father, Steve Cohen, became the third generation to lead the funeral home. He expanded services, strengthened community relationships, and guided Feldman Mortuary through a changing era while remaining true to the values upon which it was founded.

I joine

d the family business in 1995 and today have the privilege of serving as the fourth generation of our family to care for Denver families. As we celebrate 90 years of continuous family ownership and stewardship, I remain deeply grateful for the trust generations of families have placed in us.

Today, Feldman Mortuary remains Denver's only Jewish funeral home. While much has changed since 1936, our purpose has not. We continue to provide compassionate guidance, personalized service, fair and transparent pricing, and a deep respect for the traditions and values that are meaningful to the families we serve.

The relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the responsibility we carry are not things we take lightly. They are the legacy entrusted to us by those who came before and the commitment we make to every family we serve.

Jim Cohen, 4th Generation and President

L'Dor V'Dor - From Generation to Generation