David Michael Ihnat

David Michael Ihnat, 70, skilled computer consultant (and then some), of Chicago’s Peterson Woods neighborhood, passed away surrounded by love, after a short illness, June 17, 2024. Born in Gary, Indiana, David graduated from Waukegan High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was a proud member of the Rho Delta Rho Chapter of Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity. An active participant in Navy ROTC throughout high school and college. Member of the Midwest Chapter of the High-Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA). His career spanned nearly 50 years working first at IITRI (Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute). He worked as a consultant for Analysts International with larger companies including Zenith, Kraft, Morningstar, Reuters, and Bell Labs. His work with Systems Development Corporation took him to Mexico City, London, and Dublin. He started his own firm in January 2004, specializing small to mid size businesses, as he felt they were not getting the attention they deserved. He also supported many non-profit organizations as clients. David was an avid reader including science fiction, fantasy, and history. He greatly enjoyed attending Windycon, Capricon and other SF conventions. Meeting and speaking with authors, like Faith Hunter, gave him great joy. He truly loved vacationing and visiting family in Western Ireland, Hawaii, the Northeast Coast of the USA, and Texas. He was well known as a lover of chilies and hot sauce. Thankfully he had a cast iron stomach. W David especially valued his last fifteen summer trips to the Keweenaw in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he gathered with other General Technics (GT) members. Reconnecting with old friends, sitting around the fire pit at Centennial Cottage, watching the fireworks and trading stories was a much anticipated social event of the summer. Beloved husband of 34 years to Patricia “Pattie” J. Kennedy, devoted father of Sean David Kennedy Ihnat. Son of Michael John Ihnat and Marva Lee Ihnat (nee Shick), stepson of his much loved Joanne Foreman Ihnat. Half-brother of Roger Ihnat of Houston. Adored son-in-law of Maureen K. and the late Terrence Kennedy, much appreciated brother-in-law of 13, endearingly puckish uncle of eighteen, and enthusiastic great-uncle of 30. Faithful caretaker of Max the Moluccan Cockatoo and two feral felines, Sorsha and Willow. David’s family has chosen cremation, and a celebration of life is being held Saturday July 27, 2-6pm (remembrances begin 3pm) at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave., Chicago, 60630. Hawaiian shirts are encouraged, but not required. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Illinois Legal Aid Online https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/ or CatVando https://www.catvando.org/ Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

David Michael Ihnat

November 16, 1953 - June 17, 2024