MONTICELLO — From a dozen years with the Sullivan County Attorney's Office to his longtime legal representation of various towns to his repeated elections to his current post of County Treasurer, Ira Cohen was undoubtedly the most familiar face to thousands of locals.

“There is nothing I enjoy more than public service and helping people,” he told the Democrat back in 2005, when he earned the Treasurer's seat by way of more than 8,000 votes.

Sullivan County lost that natural-born leader, teacher and unfailing supporter Sunday morning, when Cohen, 69, passed away at his home in Wolf Lake.

“The loss and vacuum created will be probably impossible to fix,” said Ira's lifelong friend and former law partner, Gary Greenwald. “He was a phenomenal father and husband, and an incredibly brilliant attorney. He was probably the leading expert on tax law in upstate New York.”

The two had known each other since the seventh grade in Monticello Central School, growing up together, attending each other's weddings, even going into the legal practice together.

“I was incredibly fortunate and lucky to have a personal friend of that depth,” Greenwald mused.

He was also blessed to know Ira's family, including wife Sandy, who was by Cohen's side through one health issue after another.

“She is such a courageous person,” he affirmed.

Nancy Buck rode those waves with Ira, too. Indeed, when the chemotherapy from a bout with pancreatic cancer damaged his kidneys, Nancy offered one of her own, endangering her own life in the process but saving his at the same time.

That wasn't just because she was his deputy treasurer. She was his friend, and he hers.

“We really had a bond,” Nancy related yesterday, fighting back the tears. “I could finish his sentences.”

She spoke with Ira just hours before he died.

“I talked to him every day,” she affirmed.

Earlier that week, his doctors had discovered he had sustained damage to his heart, possibly related to the kidney issues which forced him to endure dialysis every week.

Yet on Saturday morning, Nancy said Ira told her he was happily making breakfast for guests. Later in the day, he developed breathing problems due to the heart damage, but his death early the next morning came as a shock to Nancy and the dozen people who worked for Ira inside his Government Center office.

“He was a fighter,” she acknowledged, noting how he beat a typically unsurvivable disease: pancreatic cancer. “He was cancer-free.”

Yet he was also a lover: of life, of family, of friends, of music, of Woodstock, even of embroidery (of which he was an incredibly talented artist).

“Ira was an amazing friend,” said Nancy. “I will really miss him.”

As will an entire county.

A life well-lived

According to a 2005 Democrat article, Sullivan County Treasurer Ira Cohen graduated from Monticello High School in 1962 and attended the University of Buffalo, where he received his bachelor's degree in Political Science. In 1969, he completed his Juris Doctor from Albany Law School and began practicing law at the firm of Levine and Newman. In 2003, he earned his master's degree in public administration from Marist College.

In between, he won a National Science Foundation Fellowship and taught legal sociology at Denver Law School.

His fellow Sullivan County government officials released statements in his honor yesterday:

“I have had the pleasure of working with Ira over the past seven years and even more closely the past few years as the Sullivan County Manager. Ira's extraordinary knowledge of government and his devotion and leadership to Sullivan County will always be admired. On behalf of Sullivan County I want to extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to Ira's family,” said Joshua Potosek, Sullivan County Manager.

"Although not unexpected, the news of Ira Cohen's passing is both shocking and very sad. He was an extraordinary man. His legacy will surely be his love, commitment, and service for and to Sullivan County. Ira served in so many capacities over the years and always with complete dedication. He will be missed," said Scott Samuelson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature.

“It is with deepest sorrow that I say these words. Ira Cohen was a man of integrity that has served our county in many ways. I first had the privilege to know Ira when I became a Legislator. He was a person who would listen to concerns and mentored many. I found his honesty and integrity very important. Ira was resilient and never gave up. He always offered his help while never pushing a personal agenda. I am deeply sorrowed by this loss and extend my prayer and sympathies to his family. Ira served us all and his loss is deeply felt,” said Kitty Vetter, Vice Chair of the Sullivan County Legislature.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Ira over the past 15 years, first as County Attorney and then as County Treasurer. While we didn't always agree, I can assure you that he always had the county's best interest at heart,” said Kathleen LaBuda, Majority Leader and District 2 Legislator.

“Ira was one of those rare public officials that you could go to for advice who would give you a straight answer, while offering his take on the situation. I will sorely miss the opportunity to seek his counsel," said Alan Sorensen, Minority Leader and District 9 Legislator.

“It's truly a sad day for our county. Ira was a dedicated public servant and our county was lucky to have had him dedicate so many years of service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” said Jonathan Rouis, Legislator District 4.

“As County Treasurer, Ira freely imparted his knowledge and was an outspoken advocate for responsible spending. He believed in Sullivan County, truly loved people and dedicated his life to improving government. My loss is more personal as he was not only my mentor and best supporter but also my friend. My prayers are with his family," said Cindy Kurpil Gieger, Legislator District 5.

“I dropped by Ira's office many times to seek valued advice as a novice legislator, and Ira always made time to answer my questions. Apparently I was not alone in seeking his counsel, as he once showed me a pile of letters and phone messages that had come from public servants all over New York State asking his opinion on a wide range of matters. His legacy is a deep abiding love of helping others and wishing only the best for Sullivan County. We will always remember him with great love and deep respect," said Cora Edwards, Legislator District 6.

“It is with a heavy heart that I heard of Ira's passing. Not only is it a great loss to County Government but a great loss to the entire county,” said Gene Benson, Legislator District 7.

“The County of Sullivan has lost an advocate for the taxpayer with the passing of Ira Cohen. A brilliant and dedicated County Treasurer, he was always looking for ways to save the county money and make sure that we did not overspend. Under his guidance the financial rating of the county has remained strong despite the tough economy. I will miss his wit and insight,” said Ira Steingart, Legislator District 8.