David Brian Irving

David Brian Irving, beloved son, brother, caregiver and chef passed away on Wednesday July 12, 2023 at 4:33 pm, in Maywood, Illinois after conscientiously and courageously choosing hospice in lieu of continued cancer treatment. He was born on January 27, 1961 in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois to Robert Lee Irving and Margaret Bernice Cohen- Irving.  David was the sixth of seven children born to this union (or the eighth of ten conceived children, honoring siblings lost in two previous and one subsequent miscarriage). David grew up surrounded by love and the warmth of a large, close-knit family.

Following the untimely passing of his mother in 1967, David was lovingly raised by his grandmother, Marie Scott Finney-Cohen in Chicago for two-years before the unplanned, yet, fortuitous migration of he and four siblings to Eden, North Carolina the summer of 1969. At the age of 12, David found solace and guidance in his faith and was baptized at The Only Way Church of Christ in Eden. He attended Morehead High School in Eden. As his brothers pursued music, David began to, instead, exhibit a passion and gift for creation of “music you can taste.” (perhaps inspired by his maternal grandmother, Marie, a consummate cook and former restaurant owner in Chicago).  David’s pursuit of opportunities in the culinary world led him to work at Cohen's Tea Room, owned by his cousins and with Sealtest Bar & Grill in Eden, North Carolina.

A dedicated caregiver, David devoted himself to taking care of his grandmother, ensuring her comfort and well-being.  He also became a caretaker for his Uncle William Cohen and cousin, Evangelist Annie Pearl Cohen. As North Carolina is the textile capital of the country, David later worked at Nova Yarns in Eden and attended American Schlafhorst Textile Technical Training Academy to become a master of his trade before relocating back to his beloved hometown of Chicago. He eventually migrated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, During this time, he became an active member of the Milwaukee Church of Christ, all while selflessly serving as a caregiver for his Aunt Dorothy Irving-Lucas.

Already known for his culinary prowess, David sought to further develop his culinary skills with studies at MATC Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts. Here, he honed his craft and expanded his knowledge as a certified chef. David showcased his talents as a chef at The Historic Landmark Pfister Hotel. He brought smiles to the faces of countless patrons with his delectable dishes and his warm, friendly demeanor. David also served as the Deli Manager at Jerry’s Enterprises. David and Mark’s dear friend and house-mate, jazz vocalist, Carrie Foreman fondly remembers David volunteering to cook at her church, First Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran in Chicago. Driving round trip from Milwaukee, he faithfully serviced in their Community Meals Program for two-years. His passion for his craft shone through every dish he prepared, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the pleasure of tasting his creations.  David, eventually relocated back to the Chicago area, to reside in Maywood.

David's departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret Irving, his brothers, Richard and Carey Irving and his beloved aunt, Dorothy. He is survived by his brothers, Robert, aka Baabe of Evanston, Illinois, Michael of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Paul (Rochell) of Greensboro, North Carolina, and his sisters, Betty Decosey (Dwane) of Lakeland, Florida, and Carole Irving-Knight (Alan) of New Mexico and sister-in-law, Morrisine Tynes-Irving of Chicago. He is also fondly remembered by his life partner of 25-years and caretaker, Mark Perryman of Maywood, Illinois his stepbrothers, Michael and Christopher Hamilton and step-mother, Thelma Irving of Chicago, Illinois, his first cousin, Margaret Williams of Brooklyn, New York, and a host of nephews, cousins, and nieces.

David Brian Irving will forever be cherished and remembered for his culinary talents, his devotion to his family, and his kind-hearted spirit. He will be dearly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family and friends will celebrate David's life at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at The Historic Olivet Baptist Church, located at 3101 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60616. We are truly honored that the celebratory message of this memorial gathering will be delivered by our first cousin, Dr. J Roland Cohen who is pastor of Judah House of worship in Danville, Virginia. The celebration will be live streamed on the Facebook page of the TV show Courage2 Rise Walk Recover produced by Paul Irving and hosted by his wife Rochelle Irving: https:// www.facebook.com/C2RWR/

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