10/06/2025
Michael Lenetsky (1966-2025)
At the age of 59, Michael Lenetsky passed away in the early morning of September 19, 2025. He was born in Philadelphia in 1966, attending Neshaminy High School before going on to attend Temple University, where he not only earned his B.A. in political science (Class of ’91), but also his law degree (J.D.) in 1994.
Michael had built himself a distinguished career in higher education and administration, having recently celebrated 25 years of working at Cornell. Since 2011, Michael had worked at Cornell as a Senior Department Manager in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Prior to that, he was Director of Business Operations for Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center, where he previously served as a Senior Grant and Contract Officer. For 25 years he was absolutely adored and beloved by his colleagues and his absence will be deeply felt by many across the campus.
Beyond his work life, Michael was an avid fly fisherman. When he wasn’t working, you could often catch him in a stream casting flies, or in a classroom spreading his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport with others, young and old. His natural ability to mentor spread outside just the fishing community; during his time at Temple University, Michael joined Sigma Alpha Mu (Gamma Psi Chapter) and later in life after joining the Cornell community, became an advisor for the Beta Chapter, supporting undergraduate students and staying true to his brotherhood.
Michael is proud and grateful to be survived by his partner, Rebekah Puhlman; his children, Riley, Owen, and Clara; and his siblings, Dana Zabarsky, Mara Lenetsky, Allison Hamm, and David Hamm.
Michael will always be remembered for his boisterous laugh, fierce loyalty to his friends, love of live music, generosity, and dedication to his family, colleagues, and community. The way he could captivate a room will never be forgotten, how his face lit up while telling a story, and how a joke charmed everyone around him. His stories, though sometimes relentless, will be told over and over again to remember him, and that grin he would get on his face when his story was finally over will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched, and the memories he left with us in this world.
