Mel Cohen, executive director of Jewish Family and Children’s Service in Asbury Park since 1976, accepted the good wishes of his coworkers and the Jewish community at a gathering that “celebrated” his upcoming retirement.

Cohen was the guest of honor at a cocktail party at Congregation Magen David in West Deal on Nov. 2. He will officially retire on Dec. 31; JF&CS has formed a committee that is searching for Cohen’s replacement.

“I have mixed emotions tonight,” said Cohen, who lives in Ocean Township. “There are so many people here who wish me well, and that means a lot to me. That kind of spirit will continue to make the agency go forward.”

He also thanked the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County for its ongoing financial support of JF&CS.

“They have been constant in their support, and they have been very generous,” Cohen said. “You can’t build an agency like JF&CS unless you have the support of caring people.”

Sandy Cohen, his wife of 18 years, said she has mixed emotions regarding her husband’s retirement.

“It’s been an interesting 18 years,” she said. She has been the CEO of Jewish Family Service agencies in Allentown, Pa. and in New Jersey in Ocean and Middlesex counties. “It’s been full of challenges and I really understand what it feels like to work in this environment. I’ve tried to be a support system for Mel.”

Sandy Cohen, who now has a private psychotherapy practice in Red Bank, also applauded her husband’s dedication. “Mel has helped so many people,” she said. “Wherever we go in Monmouth County, people always come up to him to thank him for something he’s done for them.”

Mel Cohen added that his retirement is the culmination of years of hard work and satisfaction, and his colleagues agreed.

“Mel has devoted his life to helping others,” said Phil Brown of the United Way. “He has a strong sense of grace and compassion. He and JF&CS have been involved with us on many different levels, and we have always had successful outcomes. He has earned respect from everyone in this field, and he deserves it.”