Obituary for Ira Jay Cohen
Ira Jay Cohen
November 28, 1944 - October 26, 2104
Wurtsboro, NY
Ira Jay Cohen, 69, earned his wings on October 26, 2014, leaving behind a long and storied legacy of public service in Sullivan County.
Ira was born to Malvin and Florence Cohen on November 28, 1944 in the Village of Monticello, where he spent his childhood during the glory days of the Borsht Belt. He remained a resident of Sullivan County for virtually all of his adult life. Ira was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1969, and he worked in the private practice of law for more than twenty years, which also included appointments as the County’s first Public Defender, and as a part-time Assistant County Attorney. In 1992, his increased interest in local government, particularly in the area of real property taxation, culminated in his appointment as Sullivan County’s first full-time County Attorney. During his tenure as the County Attorney, he became an expert on issues of Native American Gaming, and he worked tirelessly to protect the County’s position in Bankruptcy Court, particularly in the Concord Hotel bankruptcy.
Following his tenure as County Attorney, he ran successfully for the position of Sullivan County Treasurer in 2005, a position he held until his death. Ira also provided counsel to various municipalities on issues of real property taxation, and planning and zoning. He was a sought-after expert in real property tax law statewide, and was a longtime advisor to the New York State Association of Counties, the New York State County Treasurers and Finance Officers’ Association and other municipal groups. He was named Treasurer of the Year in that capacity in 2011, and served as the President of the Sullivan County Bar Association.
Ira is survived by his loving wife Sandra Heck, daughters Heather Cohen (Bill Ketzer), Dylan Jacobs (Scott Jacobs), and Emma Cohen, and son Jacob Cohen. He is also survived by his brothers Herbert Cohen (Denise Cohen) and Robert Cohen, and his cousins, Irwin, Norman and Isabelle Meyer. Also surviving Ira are his adoring grandchildren Olivia, Elijah, Isaiah and Lucas.
Ira faced many health challenges, which included kidney failure, and pancreatic cancer, and in 2008, he was given the supreme gift of life from his dear friend, Nancy Buck, who donated one of her kidneys to him.
Described by friends and colleagues as a true “people’s advocate,” Ira was also affectionately regarded as the county’s Renaissance man, whose passion for law and justice was equaled by his fondness for music, cooking, painting, gardening, motorcycles, sports and antiquing. An accomplished embroiderer, Ira’s works can be found on the jackets and blue jeans of family members, local musicians and elected officials throughout the Hudson Valley. Ira was proud to be a child of 1960’s, and his experience at Woodstock Festival in 1969 remained a pivotal moment in his life.
Above all, however, he simply enjoyed spending time at Wolf Lake with his family. Whether embroiled in a lively discussion, engaging them in his latest home improvement project, or just sitting together quietly to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake, this was his greatest satisfaction. “Papa Ira” didn’t only love his family – he required them.
Friends may call on Wednesday, October 29 at Applebee McPhillips Funeral Home (130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940) from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral proceedings will be held at Applebee McPhillips on Friday, October 31 at 10 AM. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.applebee-mcphillips.com.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are welcome to send a donation to Donate Life America at http://donatelife.net/give-to-dla/.
Friends may call on Wednesday, October 29 at Applebee McPhillips Funeral Home (130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940) from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral proceedings will be held at Applebee McPhillips on Friday, October 31 at 10 AM.
Read More
November 28, 1944 - October 26, 2104
Wurtsboro, NY
Ira Jay Cohen, 69, earned his wings on October 26, 2014, leaving behind a long and storied legacy of public service in Sullivan County.
Ira was born to Malvin and Florence Cohen on November 28, 1944 in the Village of Monticello, where he spent his childhood during the glory days of the Borsht Belt. He remained a resident of Sullivan County for virtually all of his adult life. Ira was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1969, and he worked in the private practice of law for more than twenty years, which also included appointments as the County’s first Public Defender, and as a part-time Assistant County Attorney. In 1992, his increased interest in local government, particularly in the area of real property taxation, culminated in his appointment as Sullivan County’s first full-time County Attorney. During his tenure as the County Attorney, he became an expert on issues of Native American Gaming, and he worked tirelessly to protect the County’s position in Bankruptcy Court, particularly in the Concord Hotel bankruptcy.
Following his tenure as County Attorney, he ran successfully for the position of Sullivan County Treasurer in 2005, a position he held until his death. Ira also provided counsel to various municipalities on issues of real property taxation, and planning and zoning. He was a sought-after expert in real property tax law statewide, and was a longtime advisor to the New York State Association of Counties, the New York State County Treasurers and Finance Officers’ Association and other municipal groups. He was named Treasurer of the Year in that capacity in 2011, and served as the President of the Sullivan County Bar Association.
Ira is survived by his loving wife Sandra Heck, daughters Heather Cohen (Bill Ketzer), Dylan Jacobs (Scott Jacobs), and Emma Cohen, and son Jacob Cohen. He is also survived by his brothers Herbert Cohen (Denise Cohen) and Robert Cohen, and his cousins, Irwin, Norman and Isabelle Meyer. Also surviving Ira are his adoring grandchildren Olivia, Elijah, Isaiah and Lucas.
Ira faced many health challenges, which included kidney failure, and pancreatic cancer, and in 2008, he was given the supreme gift of life from his dear friend, Nancy Buck, who donated one of her kidneys to him.
Described by friends and colleagues as a true “people’s advocate,” Ira was also affectionately regarded as the county’s Renaissance man, whose passion for law and justice was equaled by his fondness for music, cooking, painting, gardening, motorcycles, sports and antiquing. An accomplished embroiderer, Ira’s works can be found on the jackets and blue jeans of family members, local musicians and elected officials throughout the Hudson Valley. Ira was proud to be a child of 1960’s, and his experience at Woodstock Festival in 1969 remained a pivotal moment in his life.
Above all, however, he simply enjoyed spending time at Wolf Lake with his family. Whether embroiled in a lively discussion, engaging them in his latest home improvement project, or just sitting together quietly to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake, this was his greatest satisfaction. “Papa Ira” didn’t only love his family – he required them.
Friends may call on Wednesday, October 29 at Applebee McPhillips Funeral Home (130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940) from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral proceedings will be held at Applebee McPhillips on Friday, October 31 at 10 AM. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.applebee-mcphillips.com.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are welcome to send a donation to Donate Life America at http://donatelife.net/give-to-dla/.
Friends may call on Wednesday, October 29 at Applebee McPhillips Funeral Home (130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940) from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral proceedings will be held at Applebee McPhillips on Friday, October 31 at 10 AM.
To plant a tree in memory of Ira Jay Cohen, visit the Tribute Store.
Loading...