Kenneth Mark Kornetsky

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Bowdoin College VCU School of Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University

Kenneth Kornetsky Obituary

Kenneth Mark Kornetsky

June 14, 1948 - August 18, 2025

Dr. Kenneth Mark Kornetsky, of Warrenton, Virginia, was defined by his devotion to his wife, Astrid (Walter) Kornetsky, his family, his patients, his profession, and his faith. On August 18, 2025, Dr. Kornetsky departed this life, reunited in peace with his cherished daughter, Rachel.

Zikhrono Livrakha ... May his memory be a blessing.

Born on June 14, 1948, in Boston Massachusetts, to Harold and Esther (Davidson) Kornetsky, Ken grew up in Milton Massachusetts and graduated from Milton High School in 1966. A studious child, Ken knew he wanted to be a doctor from an early age.

He pursued a lifelong passion for medicine and service and graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine in 1970. He was one of only 16 students accepted into the first class of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he earned his medical degree in 1974. He completed his residency and fellowship in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. It was here that he met Astrid, his beloved wife of 47 years.

In 1984, Dr. Kornetsky came to Warrenton to establish one of the region's first nephrology practices. For more than forty years, he cared for thousands of patients in Fauquier, Culpeper, and Prince William Counties. He practiced with compassion and integrity, offering care without hesitation to those in need, and in so doing fulfilled the highest ideals of a physician's calling. Recognized as a brilliant mind and unwavering patient advocate, Dr. Kornetsky influenced generations of physicians and earned profound respect for his wisdom, while reinforcing the values of community-centered medicine.

His service extended beyond Virginia through his work with Medical Missionaries of Manassas and the St. Joseph Clinic in Thomassique, Haiti, where he contributed to global health efforts and served as Vice President of the organization and as Director of the clinic since it opened in 2007.

One of Dr. Kornetsky's greatest joys was teaching the students of the Fauquier Jewish Congregation, sharing with them the rich history and profound meaning of the Jewish faith which he so loved.

Dr. Kornetsky is survived by his wife, Astrid; his sisters, Susan Oliver of Hawaii, and Joyce Groemmer and her husband, Peter of Massachusetts; his nephews Daniel Oliver and David Oliver of California; his niece Emily Groemmer and her husband, Patrick Stern of New Jersey; his stepmother Anne Marie Kornetsky of Massachusetts; and his beloved friends and colleagues.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 15 at 6:00pm in the Parish Hall at St. James' Episcopal Church, 73 Culpeper St., Warrenton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests support for Medical Missionaries of Manassas or the Fauquier SPCA.

Dr. Kenneth Kornetsky will be remembered for his kindness, his love of family, his skill as a physician, his dedication to community, and his generosity of spirit. His laughter and smile will be deeply missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fauquier Times from Aug. 26 to Sep. 10, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Kornetsky

12 Entries

Culpeper Medical Center Critical Care Team

Planted Trees

Critical Care Team, Culpeper Medical Center

September 12, 2025

It was an honor to work alongside Dr. Kornetsky for six years. A remarkable nephrologist, Dr. Kornetsky exemplified patient-centered care-listening deeply, advocating tirelessly, and ensuring each person felt seen and supported. His unwavering dedication and commitment to going the extra mile-every patient, every time-set a standard of excellence that inspired our whole team. Dr. Kornetsky leaves a legacy of compassion, integrity, and healing, and will be profoundly missed by colleagues, patients, and all whose lives were touched by his care.

Val Amster

September 5, 2025

In my last conversation with Ken, he was trying to connect a patient with a therapy horse. I asked him how his retirement was going. He said, "I´m not doing very well at retiring."

I will always treasure our trip to Israel, the many lessons he taught my children, and his tireless advocacy for his patients and his congregation. I miss him.

Lisa Provance

September 1, 2025

On our trip to Haiti, Dr K and I paired up to see all of the villagers at our mobile health clinics... he told me Lisa you will see patients under 4 ft tall and I will see 4 Ft and above!! He laughed and then gently reminded me not to document like we were in the hospital!! I so smile each and every time I reflect back on our time in Haiti! His passing will be felt deeply by those at Fauquier and beyond!! Much love to his family!!!

Carrie Morton Combs, BSN RN, FNP-S

August 31, 2025

Dr. K (aka Chief) was an amazing coworker, historian, educator, and friend. We had many conversations on his faith. When I worked at CRH I nicknamed him "Chief" and every time I called him "Chief" he would have the biggest grin on his face. I can still see him walking down the hospital hallway now with his distinctive walk. He always took care of his patient's and the nursing staff thought very highly of him. I contributed to his Medical missions. His departure will leave a large void. When he found out I was going back to school for my FNP he gave me lots of encouragement and advice. Prayers and deepest sympathy for his wife and family.

Christine Madaio DiStasio

August 31, 2025

I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Ken through Medical Missionaries. His friendship and work, especially in Haiti, will never be forgotten. Sincere sympathies to his Astrid, family, friends and colleagues.

Betsy Holzworth

August 31, 2025

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Kornetsky at Culpeper Hospital. He was a dedicated physician and mentor to those of us who were willing to ask the questions. He was one of a kind. He will be missed.

Dr. Gil Irwin

August 31, 2025

Dr. Ken was a true friend, great doctor and humanitarian who gave his time, talent and treasure to local patients and the poor of the world, particularly Haiti, for many years. As vice president of Medical Missionaries and Director of the St. Joseph Clinic in Thomassique, Haiti, he managed healthcare for 125,000 people since 2007. May he rest in peace.

Dr. Jeff Joseph

August 28, 2025

Dr. Ken was a great colleague and friend. He never failed to respond to my calls to the ER. Always friendly and pleasant and super smart. I always thought he reminded me of Eric Clapton. God Bless you Ken and the example you set

Marsha Grant

August 28, 2025

We worked together when he first opened the Dialysis Center here on Waterloo Rd. I was his head nurse. He was green in the field so I would instruct him in a few things. He always called me Martha to get a ruse out of me over the years that never changed. A great man and wonderful Dr. Marsha Everly Grant

Suzanne Brooks

August 28, 2025

I knew Ken through my involvement with Fauquier Jewish Congregation. While serving on the Rabbi search for the Congregation, Ken gave such wise counsel on best approaches from conducting interviews with candidates to final decisions. His wisdom and approach in our Torah Study classes was where Ken was most appreciated by me. Ken always found a way to redirect my skepticism and confusion into something more reasonable and humane. He frequently recommended a helpful book and other commonalities of modern examples that could be found in our current culture through music and humor as well. Ken was a true scholar and a kind gentleman who will surely be missed. I feel truly lucky to have passed cross his path however briefly. May his memory be a blessing.

Tom krial

August 26, 2025

I got to see Dr kornetsky when I went for my check ups a very nice and smart doctor and a great man so sorry for your loss gods speed to his family and God bless.

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