Obituary

Ira Robert Cohen left a legacy for a spirit of philanthropy that has and will continue to impact people for many years to come. Cohen, 62, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021. A 1980 graduate of the University of Illinois’ College of Engineering in Computer Science, he co-founded Advanced Systems Concepts in 1982 and helped to author software involving database systems and programmer productivity aids. Stressing the importance of giving back, Ira and his wife Debra, have been active in many charitable pursuits. The Cohens once said of their charitable work at Illinois: “Our hope going forward is that those people who have received the awards will hopefully will look back at their time at the university and say, ‘Hey, I was given an opportunity, let me do the same thing.’ Pay it forward,” Ira’s legacy also will be recalled for forging many deep and enduring friendships that made him a beloved figure among all he touched. His philanthropy and the love he shared during his lifetime will never be forgotten. Ira is survived by his wife of 29 years, Debra; his parents Allan and Anita Cohen; his sister Ila (Tim) Brouder; nephews Bryan and Kevin (Stephanie) Brouder; and brother-in-law, Bill Witt; beloved uncle and aunts Larry and Brenda Cohen, Shirley Aizenstein, Francis Aizenstein and Diane Thornber; loving cousins. Service and interment were private, there will be a celebration of his life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ira’s name to either the two charities below or a charity of your choice; researcHStart program at the University of Chicago (http://giving.uchicago.edu/Ira-Cohen), or Neurobalance Center in Barrington (https://neurobalancecenter.org/donation/)

Service Information

Service : Tuesday, December 21st at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Randhill Park Cemetery
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Guest Book & Memories

Share your memories and photographs below.

December 22nd, 2021

Ila Brouder

Ira and Debra celebrating with his nephews at a family wedding

~Ila Brouder
~Sister, Mt Prospect

December 22nd, 2021

Ila Brouder

Ira enjoying his photo-bomb behind his wife, at Kevin Brouder High School graduation party, in 2008

~Ila Brouder
~Sister, Mt Prospect

December 22nd, 2021

Ila Brouder

Ira at Bryan Brouder’s High School graduation. Ira moved inside just before the rain started, but the rest of us drenched.

~Ila Brouder
~Sister, Mt Prospect

December 22nd, 2021

Ila Brouder

A fun afternoon, in Ira and Debra’s backyard with Larry and Brenda Cohen

~Ila Brouder
~Sister, Mt Prospect

December 22nd, 2021

Ila Brouder

Ira and Debra celebrating the holidays

~Ila Brouder
~Sister, Mt Prospect

December 22nd, 2021

Ila Brouder

Our family 2019 Wedding Anniversary celebration for our parents

~Ila Brouder
~Sister, Mt Prospect

December 22nd, 2021

Aruba at Madam Janette’s Ed Tannebaum

Dear Debra and family,

Both Jan and I were both surprised by the news of Ira’s passing. We know the recent years have been difficult, but our thoughts really revolve around those years in Aruba, listening to Ira’s humor and tales and enjoying that laugh that seemed to get into every conversation.

The many nights together and seeing Ira lounging on the beach, after indulging in a brat and sending those well meaning jabs at both of us. That was the Ira we knew for too short a number of years.

~Ed Tannebaum
~Friend, Longboat Key, Fl

December 22nd, 2021

Deb, Michael and I are so sorry to hear about Ira. We wish we could have been there with you to celebrate his life but will plan to in the spring. We will miss Ira’s sense of humor (well, most of it!), his enthusiasm about U of I sports and his love for his dogs. We are sending prayers and hugs to you long distance.
Love,
Marcia and Mike

~Marcia Tomaselli
~Friend, Bristol RI

December 22nd, 2021

Ira Robert Cohen Arlene Folsom

Ira Robert Cohen

~Arlene Folsom
~, Arlington Heights

  • Photo By Ila Brouder :
  • Photo By Ila Brouder :
  • Photo By Ila Brouder :
  • Photo By Ila Brouder :
  • Photo By Ila Brouder :
  • Photo By Ila Brouder :
  • Photo By Ed Tannebaum : Aruba at Madam Janette’s
  • Photo By Arlene Folsom : Ira Robert Cohen

Guest Book and Memories











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