Irwin "Professor" Corey

Irwin "Professor" Corey obituary, Manhattan, NY

Irwin "Professor" Corey

Irwin Corey Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 6, 2017.
"Professor" Irwin Corey, the classic comedian billed as the World's Foremost Authority, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2017. He was 102. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here.

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March 3, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 13, 2019

Ellen Nagle posted to the memorial.

September 30, 2019

Robert Staeheli posted to the memorial.

March 3, 2020

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of mr Irwin Corey a great comedian may the God of tender mercies grant him peace

Ellen Nagle

December 13, 2019

I am the niece of Norman Franklin(my mother's younger brother) Growing up we learned of the relationship between Irwin and Norman. Once written there was always a copy of the book he did with irwin-kept on a table in Teaneck,NJ even after Norm left Brooklyn behind. Even though of a different generation I had seen Irwin on tv often enough to appreciate his offbeat yet original style of humor. I had always been impressed by my uncle's offbeat and humorous literary skills - so the two met in person and I found their kinship in this book. Norman passed before the Professor but I like to think that if there is a place after this one-they are both there making others laugh

Robert Staeheli

September 30, 2019

All thought he didnt say much that made sense, I learned a lot from him about the art of listening.

May 25, 2018

Irwin was gifted at satirizing pomposity. My father could hardly contain himself when he heard the "professor" do his gags. We need more people with Irwin's style: humor without meanness, ugliness or profanity.

Harry Simpson

February 7, 2018

Godspeed Irwin, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

February 7, 2018

Always will remember his "shticks" he was a master at laughter and joy. Rip professor, you done good
M loduca Boston Ma

My sincere condolences. John 6:44

The Hands Family

October 7, 2017

Nina Morzenti

June 16, 2017

Since I attended one of the Prof's performances in Peabody, Mass 1967/8 I have only needed to think of him and I burst into giggles... and remember with fondness my first husband who accompanied me. It's rare when a person's absence is as strong as their presence and for that I shall always thank Prof Irwin Corey :)))))) So many of us join Richard in the joy of never having to feel we have lost the Prof. for he has left us so much to remember.

Psalm 46:1

February 20, 2017

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Marion Booker

February 14, 2017

I worked with Irwin when he played Chicago. I was doing his lighting and sound and we became friends. He was a brilliant man with many interests and also very generous and kind. He didn't publicize his good deeds and being with him always brightened the day. I am so glad I knew him. My sympathy to his friends and family.

J. Walker

February 14, 2017

The best belly laugh I ever had.... in the late sixties in Las Vegas. RIP "Professor".

Don Lutz

February 11, 2017

The most famous comedian I never heard of
Rest in piece Corey

Carlotta

February 10, 2017

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Corey family and friends at this difficult time.

Libby Cape

February 10, 2017

I thoroughly enjoyed your performances Professor !!
R.I.P. Mr.Corey

Mark Smith

February 10, 2017

Thank You Professer.

Prop Theater- 2005

Jim Pizzillo

February 10, 2017

I will always cherish the wonderful opportunity to open for Irwin on several occasions at the Prop Theater in Chicago. He was a friend and an inspiration and a lovely brilliant human being.

Kmberly Fizdale

February 10, 2017

My father, who died a ew months ago, cherished a memory of heckling Mr. Corey in a Chicago nightclub in the 50s. He kept this memory alive because he was proud to heckle someone of Mr. Corey's notoriety.

Carolyn Wallace-Murray

February 10, 2017

To The Family of Professor Irwin Corey, may our Lord surround your family with his healing presence. I will forever cherish my memory of Professor Corey in the movie "Car Wash", may his spirit forever light your spirits daily. RIP Professor Corey

February 10, 2017

What a long and wonderful life! So many cannot say the same. May Irwin "Professor" Corey forever live in our hearts and in God's book of life.

John Ebert

February 9, 2017

Simply, the funniest comedian of ALL time!

Phillips

February 9, 2017

May God give you strength from above
My prayers are with you

JT

February 9, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the Corey family. Please know that God is aware of what you're going through and He can strengthen you during this difficult time. May you take comfort in His promise to provide a wonderful future for those in His memory. Hosea 13:14

February 9, 2017

My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

SueAnn

February 9, 2017

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Laqueesha Jackson

February 8, 2017

Thank you for the laughs, I remember as a little kid cracking up at the Professor's gags on the Mike Douglas show. I actually thought that he and Professor Backwords were really college professors!

Valenda Newell

February 8, 2017

WOW!!! What a life, no one can bring on the comedy like the "PROFESSOR" such an original. There's just no one like him, sooooo many memories....THANKS FOR SHARING...RIH

Richard Honig

February 8, 2017

RIP Professor. I always enjoyed seeing him on TV or the movies. His act was one of a kind. Bless his wonderfully long life, and thanks for the laughs.

February 8, 2017

I remember him well and he was delightfully funny! I got to see him in the 1970's in the Marlo Thomas B'way hit play "Thieves" with Richard Mulligan who would later go on to star in Soap and Empty Nest sitcoms. I had no idea the "Professor" was in Thieves and he really made the show! Wish there was a way to find a video of it. Hoping to find some clips of his appearances on Johnny Carson or Ed Sullivan...he was so unique he should be shared,may he RIP!!

Leonard Lehrman

February 8, 2017

Recently posted and would like to share a video of Irwin, his son Richard, and me, taped by Carol Jochnowitz at Tamiment's Morris Schappes Centenary Celebration May 10, 2007: https://youtu.be/8r3iE31454k
Leonard J. Lehrman

Susan

February 8, 2017

I know the Professor is in heaven....no one who has given so much love and laughter could be anywhere else. A big thank you for all the smiles and giggles you have given me and the rest of the world. Rest in piece.

February 8, 2017

I remember the professor well God Bless him in his journey to join his wife. My deepest condolences to his family.

GB in Colonie NY

Dorothy Parkhurst

February 8, 2017

I remember Professor Corey so fondly, and thank the stars above for having him in this universe to make people smile in such a way that made him unforgettable. He will be missed.

Roy Bucci

February 8, 2017

I'm saddened by your passing. I'll always remember meeting you in the late 80s. A kind, friendly sole, who never kept it straight for long. Remembering your advice, as I have aways done. Never grow up. God Bless you, please watch over us all

February 8, 2017

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

holly shok

February 8, 2017

Hav fun talking to Einstein..professor Corey..and say hi to Pat Paulson for me!!

February 8, 2017

So very sorry for your loss. Such a talented man.

Peter Smith

February 8, 2017

Loved him. Next to the Marx Brothers, the most profound thinker and fashion trendsetter of the XX, X and/or XYZ centuries.

dave greene

February 8, 2017

Great guy and a mentor for intellectual silliness for me.

Les Breese

February 8, 2017

Thank you, Professor Corey, for all of the laughs over the years...Class is now adjourned.

Jeneva Thomas

February 8, 2017

I would like to offer you my thoughts and prayers during this unexpected time of your life. There are no words that could bring mourning or grieve to an end, but please know that God has a much greater way that will bring these things to an end Matthew 5: 4.

Allan Stock

February 8, 2017

One of foundations of my appreciation of the comedic arts. Did he ever make me laugh!

sherry krol

February 8, 2017

Go toward the light professor. Thanks for all the laughs...ive stolen many laughs from you with my Professor Irwin Corey hair..

Steve Kahn

February 8, 2017

I feel privileged to call Irwin my friend. I used to hire Irwin to perform at events I was producing at RCA Records.. We got to travel across the country together and we had so much fun
We are left with great memories. The other good news is that speaking with his Son Richard is like speaking to Irwin. They sound identical .
Farewell old friend

February 8, 2017

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

February 8, 2017

Sorry for your loss.

Wanda Mundy

February 8, 2017

LOVED his double-speak routines. My Grandad thought he was pretty good at it, himself - but he took his hat off to Professor Irwin Corey. He will be greatly missed.

Joshua Robinson

February 8, 2017

A man of great purpose, may it shine on forever

Cynthia Harrt

February 8, 2017

RIP KIND AND FUNNY INNOVATOR. AND THANKS FOR JONATHAN WINTERS!

February 8, 2017

Bless you, sir!

Linda Pepper

February 8, 2017

An absolutely brilliant man I thoroughly enjoyed watching on The Tonight Show. He had to be a genius to create that act of his. I hope Mr. Corey's family always remembers & is comforted by the joy he brought to so many of us.

Dr Bob Schor

February 8, 2017

Ran follow spot for him
Always a great time
Got paid for laughing

February 8, 2017

I remember Irwin Corey well. He was very funny. Mr. Corey will be missed but will always live in our hearts. You are Home now, and at Peace. See you soon.

Claudia Colin

February 8, 2017

Aww Irwin, dear Irwin, sweet farewell, I enjoyed the Professor for his work, and as an old friend. He had a great run. Condolences to you, Richard. I really loved your dad!!!

Tim Johnson

February 7, 2017

Thank you Professor for the many, many laughing fits. I hope that you confuse God so much that He sends you back!

P Z

February 7, 2017

Irwin Corey always made me laugh. In many ways, his was a voice of reason- if you actually cut through the doublespeak.

Richard Pesicka

February 7, 2017

R.I.P. Professor...

Ken Castro

February 7, 2017

However...

Ben

February 7, 2017

Professor,
I remember watching you on the Sullivan Show many times...I just want to say thank you,Sir.........God bless you and your family......R.I.P.

February 7, 2017

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Cissy Andrews

February 7, 2017

The professor was of the age of classical comedians, and one of the funniest of them all. I often wondered how he remembered all the upside down and backward things he said. His definitions and explanations of all things actually made sense at times. I didn't realize he was still living; I am sad to see that he has died. Rest in peace, Professor Corey and my sympathies to his family.

February 7, 2017

He always made me laugh. I am so glad he and I shared some time on this planet. R.I.P.

Jack McConnell

February 7, 2017

Brilliant comic mind. An intellectual Rodney Dangerfield. Always enjoyed tonite show appearances and Johnny Carson's reaction.

michelle plakas-kaiser

February 7, 2017

RIP

Mr Melby

February 7, 2017

He was amazing! I never saw such nonsense come out of a person. I remember going to see his show in Boston, and on that night there was a hurricane. The weather was nothing in comparison to his act!

Hal Gill

February 7, 2017

Fair winds and following seas - we'll be joining you soon...

D. E.

February 7, 2017

Thanks for the laughs, Professor! You proved that comedy does not require vulgarity or filth in order to be funny, and that despite your humble beginnings, a kind and just heart surfaced.

Herb Rosenberg

February 7, 2017

My condolences to the Corey family. Irwin Corey was an incredible talent, a kind decent person who brightened everyone's life with his presence.

Valerie Cheers Brown

February 7, 2017

"Professor" Corey heaven is blessed to have you now!

Nathan Nardis

February 7, 2017

What is not a question, what is a unit of electrical measurement.

February 7, 2017

Thank you, Professor, for the many, many laughs from my childhood. I especially remember this one joke: "What's the difference between LSD & LBJ? One's a drug; the other's a dope."

Adam Broad

February 7, 2017

However, it should be pointed out that tracing the professor's penultimate jokes to antiquity is merely a juxtaposition of contemporary ontology and our ongoing reuptake to both establish and repudiate perception vis-a-vis our rightful place in the universe and the innate need to ask for and refuse to ask for directions.

Marsha Crom

February 7, 2017

I enjoyed watching him on TV when I was very young. I read a lot starting in 3rd grade so I "got it". Any time he was on, it made me happy.

Jan Strutt Hart

February 7, 2017

We saw him at The Hungry I in San Francisco on our honeymoon in 1958. Such a smart and funny man!

b Wicks

February 7, 2017

Hi Corey Family :

So sorry for his passing. I only knew the Professor via his TV appearances , and i enjoyed everyone of them , for many years.

Bob Hercer

February 7, 2017

The worlds foremost authority

gil dabney

February 7, 2017

Goodbye Professor!

Mary Wolowicz

February 7, 2017

Loved him. Hilarious, and obviously very smart.

Me and my bride of 56 years at her prom (1958) .

Ed Deppert

February 7, 2017

He was my idol, along with Red Skelton and Jackie E. Leonard. I was born and raised in Brooklyn and was blessed to have known these comedic heroes.I miss them all to this very day.

David Chase

February 7, 2017

What a sweet, kind, funny and brilliant man... The world has lost some sparkle....

Ann Irvin

February 7, 2017

However... I remember laughing out loud when I was a kid watching the Mike Douglas Show and the professor was on. As soon as I saw his name on my news page, I had to click on. My deepest sympathies to his family.

February 7, 2017

My dad and I watched him whenever he was on Carson or Sullivan. He was hilarious.

Aline Portnow Hoffman

February 7, 2017

We had fun so many years ago (1950s/60s) in Great Neck, NY where Richard was a classmate. I have a memory of the "Professor" hiding in the closet though I don't recall anything about it other then we had a good laugh.

Greg Trapani

February 7, 2017

Wow - a life well lived. Thanks for taking the bad and making it good, not many people have that ability. Blessings to his friends & family.

Patricia Chambers

February 7, 2017

Thank you for making me laugh from childhood through adulthood!

Matthew Drain

February 7, 2017

A brilliant comic who gave me countless hours of joy. I would watch the Tonight Show just in case he would be appearing.

Phil Harper

February 7, 2017

Rip funny kind man.

Megan Berlinger

February 7, 2017

Professor Corey was someone who made this latch key kid laugh when he was a guest on The Mike Douglas show. Much love and respect sir.

February 7, 2017

However, I do believe that you were a spectacular gift in our lives. I certainly wish that I hadn't lost track of you over the years. However, just now discovering all that the proverbial child in you continued to bring to children throughout your long and blessed life,I wish that you can now, and will certainly rest in great peace and satisfaction. Make 'em laugh....they've been waiting for you. Much love and appreciation. 'Til we meet again.

Glenn Talaska

February 7, 2017

Sir, you were a role model to this Professor, much to the chagrin of my students! Thank You.

John Brown

February 7, 2017

Gone but not forgotten

Addie Johnson

February 7, 2017

I always enjoyed the "Professor's" act on TV. I had forgotten all about him, until I read his obituary. 101! Not too shabby a run, I'd say.

Rick Schwab

February 7, 2017

The Foremost Authority answered the question "Why is the Sky Blue?" in two parts. He said the first part was an enigma that has perplexed mankind since the beginning of time. The second part was "yes, the sky is blue".

Karen Burson

February 7, 2017

Thank you for the many years of laughter Professor. It brought joy and humor to many. RIP dear Sir.

David Morgan

February 7, 2017

However, I shall miss him.

February 7, 2017

FUNNIEST MAN ON THE PLANT, LOVE LOVE LOVED HIM... SEE U ON THE OTHERSIDE...THE JOURNEY CONTINUES.... U WILL BE MISSED.... HOWEVER..

John Patrick

February 7, 2017

I remember experiencing the incomprehensible profundity of this man when I was 14, found my self jumping up and down in front our telly-,gesticulating wildly ,laughing while crying screaming "YES,YES,YES,YES !!!".Love what you did for us.We in your debt and will never forget you Professor.

Ray Zaleski

February 7, 2017

While I couldn't agree with your political beliefs, that never stopped me from loving your ability to make me laugh. You will be missed by so many. RIP.

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