Ira M Smolensky

Ira M. Smolensky, 69, of Monmouth, IL died at 8:16 am, Thursday, March 1, 2018 at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth.

He was born August 9, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Leonard and Libby “Lee” Rosenoff Smolensky. He was raised and educated in Newark and Linden, New Jersey. Ira earned his A.A. Degree from Union County Community College in Cranford, New Jersey. He later earned his B.A, M.A & Ph.D. from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Ira married Marjorie Erts in Staten Island New York on May 30, 1976 and she survives.

Ira was a Professor of Political Science at Monmouth College for 33 years before retiring in 2017. Prior to that, he started his teaching career at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN for 2 years. He also was a columnist for the Monmouth Review Atlas for many years.

Ira was an avid reader, music collector and a lifelong baseball fan. His fantasy baseball league which included friends, family and students, has been an ongoing concern for more than 20 years. He was always and still is a champion of underdogs.

Survivors include his wife, Marge of Monmouth; son, Matthew Smolensky of Ventura, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, special students and his friends/family including, Bishal, Colleen, Sonia, Farhat and Moshin and their families along with several generations of his students.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Raymond Smolensky.

Cremation has been accorded. No services or visitation is planned at this time. Memorials may be given to the Political Science Department at Monmouth College or the Monmouth Park District to be used for the enhancement/maintenance of the local baseball diamonds. Arrangements are being handled by McGuire and Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth.