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/)