The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) mourns the passing of Marvin H. Feldman, CLU, ChFC, RFC, a respected industry leader, mentor, and lifelong advocate for the importance of life insurance and financial protection. Feldman passed away March 4, 2026, in Palm Harbor, Florida, surrounded by his family.
“Marv was a great man and a staunch supporter of NAIFA, the profession, and the entire life insurance industry,” said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. “He dedicated much of his life to helping people understand the importance of life insurance and other protection products, and he played an important role in shaping the development of Life Happens along the way. I was privileged to know Marv personally and to be friends with his daughters, Terri and Barbi, since our college days. His leadership, generosity, and commitment to this profession will continue to inspire generations of financial professionals.”
Feldman’s extraordinary contributions to the profession were recognized in 2011 when he received NAIFA’s John Newton Russell Memorial Award, the highest honor bestowed by the insurance industry on an individual for outstanding service to the institution of life insurance. The award recognized Feldman’s decades of leadership, advocacy, and commitment to educating consumers about the value of financial protection.
Upon receiving the award, the late Terry K. Headley – NAIFA’s 2011 president – had this to say about Marv: “Marv’s dedication to the institution of life insurance and the industry is beyond reproach. I can’t think of a better ambassador for our business, our industry, and our profession. As a highly successful agent for many years, Marv clearly understands and appreciates the essential role of agents, who perform the vital job of protecting the financial security of American families. I commend the Selection Committee on their excellent choice – they have chosen wisely—and congratulate Marv on this well-deserved honor.”
Feldman’s career in the life insurance industry spanned nearly six decades. He began as an agent with New York Life while still a senior at Ohio State University and went on to hold management and leadership roles before returning to personal production in 1974 as a partner in the Feldman Agency in East Liverpool, Ohio. Later he led Feldman Financial Group in Clearwater and Palm Harbor, Florida, building a practice known for professionalism, mentorship, and service to clients.
Throughout his career, Feldman was an influential voice for the value of life insurance and the professionals who deliver it. He served as president and CEO of Life Happens, a NAIFA community, where he became one of the industry’s leading voices educating the public about the importance of life and health insurance protection. A globally respected speaker, Feldman delivered presentations on insurance and financial planning in more than 40 countries and authored numerous articles on the profession.
His leadership within the profession was widely recognized. Feldman was a more than 50-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and served as its president in 2002. A 41-year member of MDRT’s prestigious Top of the Table, he also served on its board and as Top of the Table chairman. He was named to Insurance Newscast’s list of the 100 most powerful people in the insurance industry in North America and was widely regarded as one of the profession’s most influential ambassadors.
Feldman also authored the book Man on a Mission: How to Succeed, Serve, and Make a Difference in Your Financial Services Career, reflecting his belief that true success in the profession is grounded in purpose, integrity, and service to others.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Vicki; daughters Terri Feldman Lubaroff and Barbi Feldman; their families; and four grandchildren.
Those who knew Feldman remember not only his professional accomplishments but also his kindness, wisdom, and dedication to people. As he often said, he hoped to be remembered as “a loving, caring husband and father who just happened to be successful in the life insurance industry.” By all accounts, that is exactly how he lived.
NAIFA extends its deepest condolences to the Feldman family and to the many colleagues, friends, and professionals whose lives he influenced throughout his remarkable career.
Consider a donation in his honor to the Life Lessons Scholarship Program. Life Happens created the program during his tenure to help students who have lost a parent, with little or no life insurance, and are struggling financially to get a college education. You can donate at lifehappens.org/donate.
The family has posted a tribute on their Facebook page.