Gary Lloyd Kornfeld

Gary Lloyd Kornfeld, 70, of Wellington, Florida, passed away surrounded by the love of his family after a remarkable life, culminated in a 6 year battle that he met the same way he approached everything - with determination, humor, gratitude, and the belief that there was always time for “One More Shot.”

Born on August 22, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York, to Samuel and Lenore Kornfeld, Gary spent his early years in Nanuet and Rockland County, New York before making Florida his home in 1977. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brothers, Martin Ira Kornfeld and Alan Kornfeld.

Gary’s professional life was marked by excellence and leadership. A graduate of George Washington University and Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, where he graduated at the top of his class, Gary built a distinguished career as a real estate and construction defect attorney, ultimately serving as managing partner of his law firm. Yet for all of his professional accomplishments, Gary would tell you that his greatest achievement happened during his first year at George Washington University when he met the love of his life, Eleanor “Ellie” Halperin. As Ellie liked to joke, it may have started because she had fresh popcorn, and Gary had the munchies, but it became a partnership that would span decades and define his life.

Together, Gary and Ellie built a family that became the center of his world. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ellie; his daughter, Robin Kornfeld Kantor and her husband, Lee Kantor; his son, Lee Kornfeld and his wife, Katie Kornfeld; and his cherished grandchildren, Isaac, Gabi, and Tyler.

Gary was magnanimous, passionate, and a fighter. He possessed a quick wit, a slight temper, and a heart that was even bigger than both. He was known for his legendary eye roll, his ability to lovingly tease someone while simultaneously making them laugh, and his gift for turning every gathering into a celebration. Whether tailgating before Miami Hurricanes games, organizing a golf outing, coaching his son’s soccer teams, or hosting friends and family at Club Seder, Gary made people feel welcome, valued, and loved.

Those who knew Gary best will remember his insatiable hunger for life. He fought and overcame a brain tumor, advocated for others facing similar battles, survived a stroke, and refused to let adversity define him. Through determination and grit, he was blessed to witness both of his children graduate, marry, and build families of their own. He adored becoming “Poppy” and embraced every opportunity to celebrate life’s milestones, large and small.

Beyond his family, Gary dedicated himself to serving others through his work with the Florida Brain Tumor Association and Jewish Family Services. He believed deeply in meeting every person with dignity, respect, and compassion. He taught those around him to find the silver lining, not to sweat the small stuff, and to laugh, even in the darkest times.

If there is one phrase that captures Gary’s life, it is “One More Shot.” Time and again, Gary found a way to take one more swing, attend one more celebration, share one more laugh, make one more memory, and love the people around him a little longer. He lived fully, loved fiercely, and left nothing unsaid.