Ariel Michael Furman, known to all who loved him as Mike, was a generous and compassionate man whose life was defined by service, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to family. Born on December 25, 1964, in Brooklyn, and passing away on April 14, 2026, in New York City, he lived with purpose and heart from beginning to end. For the last 15 years, he beat cancer by the way he lived each and every day – travelling the world, exercising relentlessly, and standing in the pit for countless Bruce Springsteen concerts.
Mike grew up with the grit, energy, and spirit that Brooklyn is known for, and he carried those hard earned qualities into every chapter of his life. He pursued his education with determination and excellence, receiving his undergraduate business degree from St. John’s University, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen. Later, he received his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and began his career in the New York County District Attorney’s Office. Mike went on to become a founding and managing partner of Furman, Kornfeld, and Brennan LLP where his vision, leadership, and work ethic built a standard of excellence that reflected both his intellect and character as an accomplished attorney, mentor, and friend to countless lawyers.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike made a profound difference by pouring his heart into advocacy and charitable generosity for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Columbia University Medical Center. As a member of the Patient Advocacy Board for the Herbert Irving Cancer Center at Columbia University Medical Center, he devoted his time and energy to supporting patients and advancing the fight against cancer. He was also a prodigious fundraiser for cancer research, using his relentless determination and character to help others through the Cycle for Survival and the Velocity Ride to Solve Cancer. He believed in showing up for people, especially when life was hardest, and he turned compassion into action in a way that made a real and lasting impact.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen (née Milza); his sons Matthew, David, and Andrew; his daughter-in-law Ashley (née Karkenny); his mother-in-law JoAnn Milza (née Bradley), his brothers Ed and Daniel Furman. He is predeceased by his father Bernardo Furman and mother Luisa Furman (née Notkowicz) and beloved father-in-law Paul Milza.
Mike’s life was deeply rooted in family and was a devoted husband to Kathleen and a proud father to Matthew, David, and Andrew, as well as his dearly loved pug, Bucky. In 2024, he welcomed his daughter-in-law Ashley into the family with open arms, love, and pride. Family was at the center of his world, and he gave them everything – his strength, his guidance, his humor, and his heart. He led by example, showing what it means to be loyal, present, and deeply committed to the people you love. The love he gave his family will continue to echo through their lives for years to come.
Those who knew Mike will remember not only what he accomplished, but how he made people feel. He had a presence that was larger than life. He was the kind of man who believed in constantly pushing forward, that anything worth having is worth working hard for, and in standing tall when life demanded courage. He was generous with his time, passionate about his causes, and intelligent in the deepest sense of the word. Mike believed that it is in giving that we truly receive. He used his gifts not for self-importance, but for service. That is a life well lived. That is a legacy worth honoring.
Mike also knew how to enjoy life and celebrate the things that brought him joy. He was an avid fan of Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles, and his love of the music matched his own belief in resilience, love, and hope. Mike kept dancing until his final days. He supported the Knicks, Yankees, Giants, and West Ham United with the enthusiasm of someone who understood loyalty and the thrill of the long game.
Ariel Michael Furman leaves behind a powerful example of what it means to truly live a wonderful life – with a full heart and purpose, to never retreat and never surrender. He showed that a meaningful life is built through hard work, compassion, love, and devotion to others. He proved that greatness is not measured only by titles or achievements, but by the lives we touch and the love we give. His memory will remain a source of strength for his family, his colleagues, his friends, and all who were inspired by him. Mike’s life was a testament to courage, commitment, and character, and though he is no longer here in body, the impact of his life will continue to move forward, just as he always did.
