Obituary of Ira S Stein

Ira S. Stein Born: 3/14/1940 Died: 7/30/2023 Ira was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and David Stein, and by his son, Kevin P. Stein. Ira is survived by his loving wife, Maria, and his son Michael B. Stein (Andrea) , son of Ira and Jackie Smith, Ira’s former wife. Other surviver’s are stepchildren, Joseph Lusk, Abigail Lusk Ruben (Joel), and eight grandchildren, Samuel and Harrison Stein, Rachel and Sarah Stein, Maisa and Zoë Ruben, Hayden and Devin Lusk. Ira is a 1963 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, with a degree in photography. Over the course of his life he had many different careers. He began his entrepreneurial endeavors when he formed his own company, Starlight Studios, while still in high school. He traveled Long Island taking baby pictures for new parents Later, after graduating from RIT, he began a career as a chemist with Xerox Corporation. He quickly realized that life in the lab was not for him, and decided to pursue a career in real estate sales. He found success on this path and ultimately owned his own real estate company. After many years in real estate, he decided to turn his childhood passion for collecting coins into a third career. Ira bought and sold rare coins on the internet, and traveled the country in pursuit of inventory. In this final career, Ira found the perfect opportunity to use his skills as a photographer, salesman, and master of technology. Ira was a lifetime member of the American Numismatic Association, and a member of the Rochester Numismatic Association since 1987. He also served as the 86th president of that club in 1998. His knowledge and helpful nature were appreciated by club members, and he was a mentor to new collectors. Ira was a survivor of several different types of cancer, and he would offer to talk with newly diagnosed individuals. His fighting spirit and ability to overcome the odds offered hope and inspiration to many. Ira had many interests. He was great animal lover, having a long series of pets whom he doted upon. He was a first adopter of computer technology, beginning with owning the first Apple computer made for the public, and subsequently many later models. He delighted in performing magic tricks for his friends and grandchildren. He was well known for his comedic skills - no one could tell a joke like Ira. He was a dedicated collector of his three “Cs”; cameras, coins and cars. He was an influencer before that was a term, accompanying family members and friends when they were buying cars or houses. He had very strong opinions on these matters! He was a photographer in high demand at all family and friend events, even though he could exasperate his subjects as he fussed over every detail of the picture. He was quite interested in politics and the news, loving to converse about these matters. Ira’s last year of life was spent at The Friendly Home due to needing a great deal of care because of Parkinson’s Disease. He was popular with the nurses, aides and all staff. He spent time there mostly watching or listening to 1950s music on TV. The family is very grateful for the attentive and loving care he received there, especially in the last week of his life. Perhaps because he had suffered so much medically during his life, he somehow received a pass at the end, dying peacefully and in no distress at all. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation for Ira on Friday, August 4th from 4:00-7:00pm at Harloff Funeral Home. Ira's Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 6th, 11:00am at Temple Sinai, 363 Penfield Road, Rochester NY 14625. For those wishing, donations may be made in Ira's memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children Office of Development 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607 Funeral Service for Ira Stein (via Zoom) Time: Aug 6, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87137858837 Meeting ID: 871 3785 8837 The link is also available at www.tsinai.org