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Irwin Cohen Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Irwin Cohen
Vicki Mills
August 22, 2023
I still can't believe that he's no longer with us. He holds a very special place in my heart and my memories.
Victoria Mills
August 22, 2021
I still miss him. He was such a powerful and gentle soul. Knew him as kids and he was always good and had a smile that was great. So strong and so gentle.
Victoria Mills
August 22, 2020
Irwin was one of a kind and KIND is the word to describe him. He will always be someone I remember for he was so strong, determined yet humble. I miss him to this very day
S Fowler
January 15, 2013
Missing you a lot today my friend. Would love to hear your voice and tell me about the football games, Shelly watching tennis on TV at night (LOL) and how I need to get my kid to judo more. My boy could use your words of wisdom right now too. Love Always
zeiv aberman
January 13, 2013
irwin was a childhood acquaintance my deepest sympathies
Brad Meinecke
October 2, 2012
I only met Irwin a few times, but I felt his presence immediately -- he was larger then life! I know his gnerosity, excellence in coaching, life mentoring and well . . . just excellence in living, will live on and partly comprise his massive legacy. I am eternally honored to have met this fine man. My son Kyle and I will remember Irwin as long as we live. He was truly a great one!
Mary Ann Geanconteri
September 10, 2012
To the Cohen family, my deepest sympathy on your loss. Shelly I use to work for you & Andy at the shop when it was just the 3 of us, and I remember when Irwin would come in with his Judo outfit, he was always so kind. So sad to hear of his passing! You're in my thoughts & prayers.
Mary Ann Geanconteri
rocky smarr
September 10, 2012
what a loss. he was judo in the 70's. i trained with him in the olympic village during the munich games,at 14 yrs. old. an experience i'll never forget. he was the best. my deepest condolences to the cohen family.
Scott Bush
September 5, 2012
Cohen family,
I just learned of Irwins loss and cannot help but think of all the great times I had growing up at his club. Irwin and Steve both played a very influential role in making me who I am today, and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. The hard core tough workouts, the summer camp trainings, the tournaments we went to, all great memories that will forever be a part of my life. I wish I could of had a chance to say goodbye.
Jim O'Neill
September 4, 2012
Irwin you made a -big- difference. My deepest sympathy to the Cohen family.
Joel Brusso
September 2, 2012
Even tho we have not been part of your life for a long time, we always think of the family in Chicago, Ellie and I were very sad to hear of your loss..our prayers are with you and your family .....
Joel and Ellie Brusso
Victoria Mills
September 1, 2012
I knew Irwin from the time I was 5 years old. He was always so special,kind,and I still can see remember the rosiness in his cheeks as a little boy. He woudl walk me and our friend Gayle home to make sure we were safe. Before any Karate was even talked about Irwin was a champion in the making. He loved his life, wife kids, family and his parents were always so nice. You will be missed. You are one of thr best people I have ever known.
My deepest sympathy,
Vicki Mills-Turner
Marshall Waldo
September 1, 2012
Dear Shelly and family,I am so sorry to hear about Irwin.I only found out on Friday night.I would have gone to the service to pay my respects to your family.Shelly,I don't know if you remember me,but years ago I played racquetball with Irwin and Steve at the old Four Flaggs racquetball club.We played together for years.They often said that playing with me added to their conditioning for Judo.My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you.Marshall Waldo
David Zorich
August 31, 2012
My name is David Zorich. I knew Cohen Sensei (Irwin) from our competitive days, I attended Shindo Kan while he was at Uptown. I “re-met” him when I attended Mike Mintons Barrington Judo.
I wanted to attend services, but I had hoped they would be later in the week. The night before I had worked a midnight to 8 A.M. shift try as I might I couldn't stay awake.
Allow me to pay my respects now.
I knew him as a great competitor, and his coaching records is a legacy unto itself, but never knew him on a personal basis. There's no other simple yet effective way to say this. When I met him in those later years, I met a wonderfully kind, friendly, funny man I'm sure he always was.
This is a great loss to the judo world; more so for his family and friends.
Vicki Mills-Turner
August 30, 2012
To Irwin's Family,Wife, Children and kids,
I knew Irwin since I was 6 years old. He was one of the best people I ever knew and he was so kind. His talent amazed us in a day when no one did what he was doing. I will miss him deeply and you should know that he was one of one of a kind. The best example of what a man should be.
My most sincere sympathies,
Vicki Mills-Turner
marilyn wolf
August 30, 2012
A rich man is not one who has financial wealth and lots of STUFF. It is a man like Irwin who touched and changed so many young peoples lives. For my daughter,Hillary, she will be forever grateful for the impact both Irwin and Steve had on her judo.
Guiding her from being a good junior judo player to winning the Jr. World Championships in Egypt and becoming a 2-time Olympian. Hers is not the only story, there are many and that is why Irwin was a rich man. Thanks Irwin, Marilyn Wolf Chgo,IL
Donna Ross
August 29, 2012
Dear Shelly and family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of Irwin, always a smile and kind word, he fought a courageous battle with such dignity.
August 29, 2012
To Shelly& Family, So, so sorry to hear the news. We are unable to be with you, but you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know
That Irwin is at peace now. Wishing you and your family love&
Peace. Joanie & Herb White
Alaina Murawski
August 29, 2012
My deepest condolences to Shelly and the rest of Irwin's family and friends.
Allan Siegal
August 29, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy to the Cohen family on the loss of Irwin. I was friends with Irwin from the days I lived in West Rogers Park.
Renee Wright
August 29, 2012
To our sons Coach and friend! So many memories of the past and thanks for planting the seeds that helped our sons grow. There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts. Love, Renee Wright
August 29, 2012
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of your family. He was a real champion of a guy, even without all his medals. Stay strong.
Steve and Gayle Grossmark
Milton Ebner
August 29, 2012
We would like to express our sympathies to the
Cohen family.Irwin was a great judoka and family man.He will be always remembered.
Milton and Terri Ebner
Oak Lawn Park District Judo
August 28, 2012
Chicago Judo will miss you. Thank you for guiding so many judo players for so many years. We can all learn from your legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and with all those whom you touched. You will be missed!
August 28, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, Shelly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Alex and Margie Georgopulos
Diane Simpson, Gymnastics, 1988
August 28, 2012
As president and on behalf of the Midwest Olympians and Paralympians, we send our deepest condolences for the loss of a true Olympian in life. He lived the Olympic Spirit every day -- as a coach, mentor, husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and as my friend. Thanks for fighting for all of us with such dignity. With Love,
Sharon Laws
August 28, 2012
I was a friend of Irwin's in high school as my boyfriend was a close friend of his. I'm so happy I got a chance to talk with him at the reunion and to meet you, Shelly. He seemed truly happy. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family, that he was so proud of.
Corey Mincovitch
August 28, 2012
You where such a inspiration,and will be missed.
Steve & Debbie Schroeder
August 28, 2012
Our Deepest Sympathy, along with thoughts and Prayers to all of Irwin's Families...We are very sorry for your loss!
August 28, 2012
Shelley and family, thinking of you during this difficult time. May special memories and love from family and friends carry you through. Our deepest condolences, Susan and Phil Moss
Allan Ross
August 28, 2012
I admire what you have done and am thankful you and your family have touched my life. You were dealt a tough hand and I never heard you complain. Amazingly tough. My deepest sympathy to your family.
mel ampon
August 28, 2012
You will be always remembered...
Marcy Henich Lucchesi
August 28, 2012
Irwin- A man of integrity and honor. A man who wanted everybody to be at peace with one another. Irwin did not just wear "gold" around his neck, he also had a heart of gold. Anytime I walked in a room where Irwin was he always had a smile. He welcomed everyone into his home with open arms. At this time of loss of such an honorable human being, may his spirit always be with your family.
Stefano Rosenberg
August 28, 2012
Irwin was no doubt one of the most influential characters in my life. He taught me so much about the art of Judo and the mentality of being relentlessly hardworking and durable. I will always honor his teachings from Cohen's Judo and even as a family friend.
Rebecca Marton
August 28, 2012
I love you Irwin! You will be missed so much, I'm do honored to be apart of your family.
Chris/Pam McDonald
August 28, 2012
Irwin touched the lives of so many people from around the world. I have many awesome memories that I will hold on to and cherish forever. You will be dearly missed, and always remembered.
You are in our thoughts and prayers...
With all our love,
Chris McDonald and Family
August 28, 2012
Our deepest sympathy. Becerra Judo Club.
Paula Raftenberg Avchen
August 28, 2012
Irwin and I were friends from Sullivan and Rogers Park. He was a part of the group of friends that hung out together. I remember his quiet smile and love of judo. He came to the last reunion we had and was sick then. I was glad that we were able to share some time together. I will always have happy memories of our childhood together. I know his memory will be a blessing to all that knew and loved him.
Zara Griswold
August 28, 2012
He will be greatly missed.
Monica and Neal Malow
August 28, 2012
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