Dr. Jerome Roy "Yiti" Cornfield

1928 - 2021

Dr. Jerome "Yiti" Roy Cornfield

Milwaukee - Passed away on Fri., Jul. 16, 2021, in his 93rd year of life. Born to Minnie (Starr) and Rabbi Maurice Cornfield in Louisville, KY on Dec. 31, 1928, Jerome was the brother of Rose (Stanley) Sosowsky, Esther (Fred) Wiviott and Asher (predeceased) (Joan); the much beloved husband, for 65 years, of Rachel Pearl (Katz), devoted father of Joel (Judy Laner), David (Margo Myers), Cindy Zien (Terry) and Marcie (Josh Stubbins), and proud grandfather of Aaron Foster, Ben, Marc and Jonathan Cornfield; Molly, Sophie, Olivia, and Julie Cornfield; Elana, William, Mikaela, and Samuel Zien; and Amelia and Jacob Stubbins; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Raised in a traditional Jewish home, Jerome held tightly to the Jewish faith, community, and ritual throughout his life. Work as a principal in the Milw. Talmud Torah brought the family to Milw. in 1936, his home for the next 8 decades. Forever curious and intellectually engaged, "Yiti," so named by his sister Rose, excelled academically, graduating from North Division High School as the salutatorian at 15 years old and the University of WI Medical School at 21 years old, as the youngest graduate in the School's history, a distinction he held for many decades. Upon graduation, Jerome did a rotating Internship at Mount Sinai Hospital in Milw., then joined the US Air Force serving with the Far East Air Force in Korea and Japan, rising to the rank of Captain, and serving in the Reserves through 1972. After the "Service," Jerome established the Hampton Clinic on Milw.'s northwest side, joined a few years later by his brother and best friend, Asher. Jerome was known throughout the region for uncommon devotion to patients, remarkable diagnostic acumen, and capacity to see the humanity in every person, irrespective of color, religion or finances. Dr. J., the original, made house calls, took phone calls and cared for patients when- and wherever care was needed.

Ever curious, widely read, interesting and interested, Jerome engaged friends, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and care givers in question-filled, enlightening conversations. After retiring from his medical practice, Yiti remained engaged in the world, trying his hand at stand-up comedy, returning to the classroom as a UW-Milw. student, glass blowing, the piano and violin. Jerome gave generously throughout his life. Jerome was a principled, kind, and good man. He loved his family powerfully. He will be deeply and truly missed, every day.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution to American Civil Liberties Union, Operation Smile or the United Jewish Appeal. Graveside funeral service at Mound Zion Cemetery, Brookfield. See funeral home website for information.