Mr. Irving Cook, age 84, of Ormond Beach, Florida, peacefully departed the world he loved on March 25, 2025, surrounded by loving family and friends whose lives he impacted the most. He fought hard until the end and never lost his will to live despite a difficult final health battle.
Irv was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and died a happy and fulfilled Philadelphia sports fan having lived to see the Flyers, Sixers, Phillies and Eagles all win at least one championship. After stints working as a paramedic and timeclock engineer, Irv chose to buck convention and follow his dreams by opening up a Magic Shop in Pennsauken, New Jersey in 1966. Shortly after opening, a 9 year old kid named Harry Gersh stepped into his store and started a business relationship that lasted until his death and a partnership that spanned 7 decades on a mere handshake. Harry and Irv became brothers and have always considered themselves blood-family.

In 1976, Irv married Maxine Shestack and remained happily married to her for nearly 50 years. That year, Irv, Maxine and Harry moved to the Ormond Beach area and opened up a Magic Shop that would later become known as Daytona Magic. Daytona Magic thrived in the corner of Bel Air Plaza throughout the 80's until moving to beautiful Downtown Daytona at 136 South Beach Street. At its height, Daytona Magic was one of the largest magic shops in the world and created a mail order network that spanned every state and over two dozen countries. He was the creator of hundreds of original magic tricks and became renowned as a Magician's Magician. Irv was also an avid supporter of local theater and would often be found either performing in or offering technical assistance to live productions at numerous local theaters.

Irv was a loving and attentive father to his children, Rebecca and Jack born 1977 and 1978, respectively. He was most proud of his daughter's accomplishments as a cantor and spiritual leader, and they shared a strong and loving bond through their mutual faith. With regards to his son, he was most proud of his son's service in the Marine Corps, a step taken because of the love of country he instilled in him.

In approximately 1980, Irv along with a group of local Jewish families helped establish Bet Sefer Heritage School, a private Hebrew Day School that saw hundreds of local Jewish and non-Jewish children enjoy the benefits of spiritual-based private education. For over a decade, Irv served as the school's Judaica teacher, while also overseeing their kitchen, and providing administrative support to the principals and teachers. He was a proud member of the Jewish faith, honoring his orthodox mother by keeping Kosher for the entirety of his life. He had a strong believe in his faith and in the glory of God and served a pious and reflective life which saw him selflessly give to others in need, including providing them shelter in his home, food from his table, and clothes off of his back.

After retirement, Irv enjoyed the company of his wife, children and grandchildren, and could be found playing lovingly with his dogs or working in his garden which he loved and cherished. He died with a fierce love of God, Family, Friends, the Eagles, and America. His legacy lives on in the thousands of people he touched, helped and inspired.

Irv is survived by his loving wife, Maxine Cook, his children, Rebecca Cook, Jack Cook, and Sandy Cook, siblings, Gerry Cooke and Harry Allen Gersh, his grandson, Chase Memphis Cook, his granddaughter, Lorelei Rose Cook, his nephew, Andrew Cooke, his niece, Sharon Cooke, and his dogs, Josie and Mookie.

The care of Mr. Irving Cook is under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. On Sunday, March 30th, 2025, the family will be accepting friends and family between 9 AM and 9:30 AM, followed by a 9:30 AM Funeral Service at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond, 733 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, 386-673-1100. A Graveside service will follow at Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 340 White St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. A Shiva Luncheon will take place following services at the home of Rebecca Cook, 238 River Vale Lane, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174.

To view the 9:30 AM Funeral Service online, please use the following link and follow the prompts:

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