DAVID CORNSTEIN

CORNSTEIN--Ambassador David Bert. Ambassador David Bert Cornstein, devoted husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, diplomat, and philanthropist passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 87. Born in New York City on August 17, 1938 to Irving and Fannie Cornstein. A life long New Yorker, he built an extraordinary life defined by entrepreneurial vision, public service, and an unwavering commitment to family. He was a graduate of Horace Mann School (1956), Lafayette College (1960), and received an MBA from New York University (1963). He began his career by investing his parents' life savings to operate a single watch repair and jewelry concession at JCPenney. He transformed that modest beginning into Finlay Enterprises, a publicly traded, billion-dollar company. As President, Chief Executive Officer, and later Chairman, he led the company's national and international expansion, establishing it as a leading operator of fine jewelry departments in premier department stores. He most recently co-founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of Triquetra Capital LLC, a private equity firm. Deeply committed to public service, David held numerous leadership roles throughout his life. He served as Chairman of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation for 16 years, where he transformed the struggling public entity into a profitable operation. His civic contributions also included serving as Vice Chairman of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Chairman of the New York State Olympic Games Commission in its effort to bring the 2012 Summer Olympics to New York. He was a board member of The Battery Park City Authority, The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Development Corporation, New York Law School and Park East Synagogue. He also served as Chairman of the Jewelers Security Alliance, reflecting his leadership within the jewelry field. In 2018, David was appointed United States Ambassador to Hungary by President Donald J. Trump, serving until 2020. In that role, he worked to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the United States and Hungary. He was a dedicated philanthropist who supported numerous charitable organizations. He was a longtime supporter of the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation and helped raise millions of dollars for causes including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Chemotherapy Foundation, Friars Club Foundation, and Park East Day School. He was recognized many times as "Man of the Year" for his charitable leadership. Equally impactful was his quiet, personal generosity. He mentored and counseled hundreds of individuals in business and in life, offering guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. Those who knew him often remarked that his smile made them feel like the most important person in the world, and that his example especially his devotion to family set a standard they sought to follow in their own lives. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila; his children, Marc and Natasha; and his cherished grandson, Daniel. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 29, at 11am at Star of David Cemetery, 9321 Memorial Park Road, West Palm Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation www.mc-lef.org He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.