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Stuart A. Kornfeld, MD, the David C. and Betty Farrell Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, in St. Louis due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease. He was 88 years old.

Kornfeld was a pioneer in the investigation of glycoproteins — molecules found in living beings composed of sugars linked to proteins — which are essential for the functions of cells, irrespective of their health status. His extensive research underscores the significance of fundamental biomedical exploration. Findings from his laboratory inspired clinical advancements in numerous medical domains, including the creation of innovative therapies for hereditary genetic conditions known as lysosomal storage diseases.

“Dr. Kornfeld was an inventive and trailblazing scientist whose foundational research in glycobiology has exerted a remarkable impact on various scientific and medical domains, such as metabolism, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and oncology,” stated Victoria J. Fraser, MD, the Adolphus Busch Professor and chair of the Department of Medicine. “He was an exceptional educator and mentor, nurturing research education, guidance, and academic accomplishments for generations of students, many of whom now hold leadership roles at institutions nationwide and internationally. He was also a passionate advocate for St. Louis and WashU Medicine, highlighting their merits to everyone he encountered. Dr. Kornfeld was greatly respected by all who knew him, and his absence will resonate for many generations ahead.”

Throughout over fifty years of investigation, Kornfeld’s laboratory generated numerous pivotal studies that have become seminal in the discipline. His research continues to be included in standard chapters of biochemistry textbooks. One groundbreaking article — co-authored with his wife, collaborator, and fellow WashU Medicine glycobiology pioneer, the late Rosalind Hauk Kornfeld, PhD — has garnered more than 4,500 citations and counting. The husband-and-wife duo co-directed the glycoprotein domain for decades, authoring many foundational research papers together. Rosalind Kornfeld passed away in 2007.

He is survived by his elder daughter, Katherine Kornfeld, senior director of foundation relations at WashU; his son, Kerry Kornfeld, MD, PhD, a professor of developmental biology at WashU Medicine; his daughter-in-law, Andrea Wilson; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and his dear friend of many years, Elizabeth Loeb. In addition to his wife, Rosalind Hauk Kornfeld, he was preceded in death by his younger daughter, Carolyn Kornfeld Lesorogol, PhD, who was a faculty member at the Brown School at WashU.

Details regarding an event to honor his life will be provided in due course. Memorial donations may be directed to the Dr. Stuart Kornfeld Fellowship in the Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine.

Read the complete obituary on the WashU Medicine website.

The post Obituary: Stuart A. Kornfeld, professor emeritus of medicine, 88 appeared first on The Source.

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