This is Coach Yakik Rumley. Michael and I played together for the Convent Saints in Harlem under Head Coach Leroy Carter. He was an excellent quarterback and a great leader. I’m sorry to hear that he passed. He was a good man.

Rejouced to see this on Sabbath at my sons in Nashville… he had stacks of 1996 newspapers ( his bday year) … he got them at an astronaut’s estate sell in WM Louisiana’s home… he was a baby when I took him to practice to see Michael !! See you again and missed this opportunity in 2023… as an active duty officer. Busy for the Nation…. Meet again!! Shalum

A gentle giant with charisma, charm, and a heart full of love. I met Michael at Greenville College shortly after his Grambling University era. I knew nothing of his previous accolades and had the brief opportunity to get to know him before he transfered home to finish his degree. Seeing his world, only reminded me how out of place he was in that small midwestern community. The mark he left on me and my heart is a story for the ages. I hadn't seen or heard from him since shortly after 911 and just recently made it back to NYC since 2001. It was after my family inquired of his well-being that I decided to Google search him. It was then that I found out that he not only had passed but passed on my birthday. Speechless...... I have always thought of him. It was he who had the generous nature and fortitude to take me for dinner on top of the twin towers. He showed me the best of his world. It would only be 3 weeks later that the horrific incident would occur and our worlds would change forever. He knew how grateful I was of the visit but I'm sure he didn't know how loved and admired he was. I leave this so that the world would know that this man was one of the most profound headstrong people I knew and I've never met another like him since. I'm indeed fortunate that God allowed our paths to cross. I only regret that He didn't allow them to pass again. I only want to know how life turned out for him. All my love and gratitude for the moments we shared. Happy Born day, Michael. This one hits a little different knowing you're not on the Earth to experience the moment.

I was i recently informed and I am saddened and shocked.  My deepest condolences. I shared 12 years with Michael Kornblum and had no idea that this beautiful soul had passed. May he continuously shine in the heavens above for I will always keep you in my heart. Thank you for all you done in my life. Thank you for saving me and mine. R.I.P.
Regla Serrano

Last night, I received the heartbreaking news….

I’m at a loss for where to even begin.  My journey with Michael traces back to the early 2000s at NYSC.  From the moment we crossed paths, he seamlessly became my unofficial personal trainer. Michael was more than just tough; he set the bar high, pushing me beyond what I thought was possible.  There were times when I was on the brink of giving up, but he refused to let me quit. Instead, he stood by my side, offering words of inspiration that fueled my determination. 

Beyond the gym, Michael was a great friend who knew how to lift my spirits with his humor and kindness. He had this innate ability to listen and support me when I felt low. Despite life’s twists and turns, our bond remained unwavering until life pulled us in different directions.  I always intended to reach out, but somehow, time slipped away. 

I’ll forever hold dear the fond memories we created together, cherish his sense of humor, his boundless generosity, the warmth of his gentle soul.  There’s a debt of gratitude I owe him that words can’t express.  The void left by his absence is palpable……

Until we meet again, my dear Michael (White Tiger), know that you are deeply missed.

My main man Mike,
I am just learning this news and so sad to learn of your passing. You were my ace in the hole at HM. We connected over sports and tried our best with academics. We both ended up at better places.

I always remember seeing you on the cover of Sports Illustrated with Eddie Robinson and will always remember our fun times hanging at your house. Throwing Vaseline bombs off your balcony and wrestling your Dad were classic. You always had a better part than me! 

I will miss you and will cherish our memories.
May you rest in peace Mike!

John Boryk

This is unbelievable news. Michael and I were best friends in sleepaway camp many years ago. Michael was the greatest friend you could ask for. Off the field he was your best friend but on the field I have never met a more fierce competitor in my life. Michael was a born again winner, and it seemed like he could win at anything he did with minimal effort. I will forever cherish the great times and laughs we shared.  We have lost an incredible individual and everyone who knew Michael knows what an amazing, caring, and great person he was.

My best friend gone to soon. I will always remember the times together training and playing football.Till we meet again my brother. Always your brother Dennis Camacho

We are so sorry for your loss. We remember you, your parents and grandparents and miss you all.
Sue Schwarz

Bumboola enjoying Jazz night.  
Ruston, Louisiana 1997

Rest in Peace,
Sheeah

Thank you for the memories during your tenure at THE Grambling State University.  Rest well G-Man!!!🖤💛

Felicha Morales
GSU 94’

May Michael’s memory be forever a blessing.
He was a championship athlete in every sport.
An incredible competitor with unique talents, it was always an unfair advantage to have Korny on your team.  He left a big impression on every field and court he played on.
Ian Fischler

Hearing about this feels like a punch to the gut. It’s been so many years since Michael and I caught up, but a long time ago, we were inseparable in elementary school at Horace Mann. I’ll share a memory of one of my favorite days that, strangely, I still sometimes think about:

Michael always had an incredible arm, and while I wasn’t the fastest, I had good hands and was one of the only kids who could consistently catch most of the lasers Michael would throw, which made me his favorite passing target. I would come home from play dates with black and blue marks all over from catching his passes, but I’d never let him know that because I loved being the one he threw to.

I remember one weekend right before Thanksgiving, I slept over his apartment in Lincoln Towers, and Jeremy Moss joined us to go outside to the field next to the West Side Highway, where the Riverside Boulevard buildings now stand. Kornblau threw 30-yard bombs to us and knocked the wind out of me on one of more than one of them. His mom made us lunch and then the 3 of us walked to the movie theater on 84th and Broadway by ourselves and watched Rocky IV, which had just come out. I remember how upset we all were when Apollo Creed died in the ring, and how we celebrated when Rocky knocked out Drago and gave his, “If I can change, you can change, everyone can change” speech. It was 1985, I think Michael had just turned 11, and I was 10. Same age as my son is right now. That was about as perfect a day as I can remember.

Rest in peace, Michael. We had a lot of great days together like this, and I won’t forget you.

-	Danny Hest

Dear Kornblau Family,
My name is Lance Hellring and I went to Camp Baco during the same time  Michael went to Brant Lake.  One of my bunkmates learned of Michael's passing this morning and shared it with our bunk chat.  None of us knew Michael personally but for all the years we were at Camp and competed against him (especially in basketball), he was well respected, even feared as a great player and ferocious competitor.  Over 30 years later, any person from Camp Baco at that time would instantly remember "Kornblau".  On behalf of the guys at Baco who competed against him, we offer our deepest condolonces on Michael's certainly too soon passing.

Respectfully,
Camp Baco Waiter Bunk of 1991

Rest in Heaven, G-Man. I remember when you were the starting quarterback at GSU. Thank you for choosing Grambling State University & giving us some memorable seasons.

~ Angelita "Angie" Cravens

We are so saddened to hear about Michael. He was one of the biggest personalities we have ever met, and we loved him. He was an amazing football player, and brought an energy that was unique to everyone around him, teammates, classmates and the random passerby. He was a loyal friend. While we had not seen him for a while, we would think of him often, and wished we could have had more time. His passing leaves a hollowness for us, and a wistful wishfulness that we could have all reunited. Michael was a strong man, and he endured much more than most will know. We hope and pray that he is at peace.

OBITUARY

Michael Jeremiah Kornblau

29 October, 1974 – 22 October, 2023

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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