Hal Cornforth, 95, of West Yarmouth passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis E. Cornforth.

Born in Acushnet, Hal was raised in New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High School as president of his class and president of the National Honor Society. He achieved all-county recognition in football and track and was awarded the Murphy Award for excellence in athletics, scholarship and character. He was inducted into the Gridiron Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

Hal continued his athletic and scholastic careers at Bates College. Upon graduation he joined the U. S. Army where he served as platoon leader and executive officer in Korea. He was decorated with the Combat Infantry Badge, two battle stars, and a Bronze Star. Following discharge, Hal joined the Army Reserves, retiring in 1983 with the rank of full Colonel.

In 1958, Hal became a teacher and coach at Fairhaven High School. His track teams were Belmont Relay Champions in 1961 and 1963 and Bristol County Champs in 1961. He was inducted into the Fairhaven High School Hall of Fame in 2010.

In 1964, Hal and Phyl moved to the Cape and he joined the staff at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. In 1967 he moved to Barnstable High School where his track teams had four undefeated seasons, won two D-Y Invitationals, captured the State Class C Championship in 1970 and1972 and set eight BHS individual records. He became Dean of Students in1974 until his retirement in 1991. In 2009 Hal was inducted into the Barnstable Athletic Hall of Fame.

Hal’s commitment to teaching, mentoring, and coaching touched thousands of lives in and out of the classroom. He fondly reminisced about his powderpuff football teams aptly dubbed “Hal’s Angels” and proudly followed many of his students and athletes as they moved on to higher education and began their own careers and families.

Hal and Phyl-Babe shared a passion for cruising. They sailed on over 100 cruises worldwide that included visits to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Great Wall of China. He loved introducing family and friends to shipboard life and was proud to add you to his group of “Cape Cod Cruisers”.

Hal is survived by his children, Steven and his wife Louise Cornforth of Warren, ME, Sheri Obuchon of Forestdale, his sister Clarice Cargill of Franklin, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at the West Yarmouth Congregational Church, 338 Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA, on March 29, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

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