Michael Ira Cornfeld

Michael Cornfeld, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Artist, and Educator, Dies at 82

Huntington, WV - Michael Cornfeld, a gifted artist, husband, father, and grandfather, and influential educator, passed away on Wednesday June 25, 2025 at the age of 82. 

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Gladys and Nathan Cornfeld. Michael dedicated his life to the arts and education. He earned a B.A. from Indiana University in 1964 and an M.F.A. in painting from the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1967. That same year, he joined the faculty at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where he taught for over four decades. 

Michael had a deep love for teaching and was known for his engaging courses in Art History, Art Appreciation, Drawing, Weaving, and Painting. He served as Chair of the Department of Art from 1987 to 1999 and Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts from 2004 until his retirement in 2009. His guidance and passion left a lasting impression on countless students, many of whom credit him with inspiring their own artistic and academic journeys. 

In addition to teaching, Michael was an accomplished visual artist. He was known for his expressive pastel, charcoal, and colored pencil works and paintings. His work was featured in numerous exhibitions, and in 2022, the Huntington Museum of Art honored his legacy by holding a special sale of his art and acquiring several pieces from its permanent collection. 

Michael's dedication to the arts extended beyond the classroom and studio. He served as a docent and was President of the Huntington Museum of Art Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2012 and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2015 for his service to the community. He also received the 2009 "Award for the Arts" from the Herald-Dispatch. 

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Cornfeld; his sons, Aaron Cornfeld (Karen) of Ashburn, VA, and Joel Cornfeld of Chicago, IL; and his grandchildren, Andrew and Lauren Cornfeld. He is also survived by his brother, Arthur Cornfeld and preceded in death by his sister, Rickie Star. 

A Celebration of Michael's life will be held at 699 W. Whitaker Blvd. Huntington, WV 25701 on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 4 - 6 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Huntington Museum of Art or another organization supporting arts.