Irving Cutler

Dr. Irving Cutler, teller of Chicago’s Jewish story, passed into history on July 24. He had turned 100 in April.

Cutler wrote the book, or books, on Chicago Jewry: The Jews of Chicago: From Shtetl to Suburb; Jewish Chicago: A Pictorial History; and Chicago’s Jewish West Side. An expert sought out by the media, government, and museums, Cutler led hundreds of tours of Chicago- his last at age 96. He continued writing until the final year of his life.

“Dr. Cutler, like his books, essays, and especially renowned tours of the Old West Side, was beloved,” said JUF Executive Vice President Jay Tcath. “A mensch through and through, he in turn loved his work, his avocation, and his community, which gained so much from his research and teaching.”

Cutler co-founded the Chicago Jewish Historical Society, and served on its board. He chaired the Geography Department at Chicago State University for 10 years, and served as president of the Geographic Society of Chicago. In 2021, he received the Distinguished Geographer Award from the Illinois Geographic Society.

“While we take care of our own in a big way, we also have a strong interest in issues around the world,” Cutler said, of Chicago’s community, in an interview for this publication for his 100th birthday. “We have turned out many prominent people- Nobel Prize winners… authors, prizefighters, artists, and leaders in business, politics and the professions.”

Cutler was born in the Maxwell Street area, but raised in North Lawndale. Growing up, he helped at his father’s newsstand, which sparked his curiosity about the Jewish world. He earned his master’s in social science from the University of Chicago, and his Ph.D. in geography from Northwestern University. He served in the Navy in WWII.

He studied his community’s past, but also invested in its future-a Golden Giver to JUF, he established four Charitable Gift Annuities through JUF’s Centennial Campaign.

This philosophy was also reflected in Cutler’s final message to his beloved community: “Know your history, and pass it on.”

Dr. Cutler was the cherished son of the late Zelig and Frieda (Wapner) Cutler. The beloved husband of the late Marian (Horovitz) Cutler for 53 joyful years, he was the loving father of Danny, and Susie (Joab Silverglade) Cutler, and the adored grandfather of Carl (Victoria Saunders) Cutler, Sam and Rahm Silverglade, and the late Lee Cutler. He was the loving youngest brother of the late Bella (Ralph) Joseph, Becky (Yosel) Zelken, Rose (Sam) Pollack (Sam), and Dorothy (Sam) Yashon. He was the devoted uncle and great-uncle of many, and the very special friend of Arlene Goldberg.

Memorials may be made to the Chicago Jewish Historical Society, JUF, or Orphans of the Storm. Arrangements were made by Chicago Jewish Funerals, with interment at Waldheim Cemetery.