Ira Robert Cohen

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. Ira is survived by his wife of 29 years, Debra; his parents Allan and Anita Cohen; his sister Ila (Tim) Brouder; nephews Kevin (Stephanie) Brouder and Bryan Brouder; and brother-in-law, Bill Witt; beloved uncle and aunts Larry and Brenda Cohen, Shirley Aizenstein, Francis Aizenstein and Diane Thornber; and loving cousins. Ira's legacy also will be recalled for forging many deep and enduring friendships that made him a beloved figure among all he touched. Private service and interment were held. 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 of the two charities below or a charity of your choice: researcHStart program at the University of Chicago http://giving.uchicago.edu/Ira-Cohen, or the Neurobalance Center in Barrington https://neurobalancecenter.org/donation/