Edward F. Kaufman
Edward F. Kaufman, 88, of Meadville went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday surrounded by his family at Meadville Medical Center.
Ed was born in New Brighton, a son of Edward F. and Myrtle (McClintock) Kaufman.
He grew up in the historic Hotel Kaufman in Zelienople and graduated from Zelienople High School and Duff's Business College in Pittsburgh.
A veteran of the Korean War, Ed served as mess sergeant in the U.S. Army.
Ed enjoyed his youth at the family's “Dream Cottage” at Conneaut Lake and managed the Oakland Beach Hotel at the age of 25.
He married Grace Shaffer, the love of his life, in June 1955, after which they owned and operated a Dairy Queen and Drive-In Restaurant on Route 322.
He also became a real estate agent, joining the William Bainbridge Agency in 1956. In 1960, he became a licensed real estate broker and assumed ownership of Bainbridge-Kaufman Real Estate, expanding their Meadville office to Greenville, Linesville and Warren.
Some real estate accomplishments include, Realtor of the Year in 1968, twice president of the Meadville Board of Realtors, three times director of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, a founder of the Meadville Multi-List Service and several other local, state, and national Realtor positions.
After selling his business in 1987, he was joined by his son, Ed III, in Kaufman Appraisal Service. He partnered with Weldon Levinson to develop the Downtown Mall, and partnered with Merle DeArment to build the Ed Kau Building on Water Street.
Community activities included president of the Meadville-Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce, county president and regional chairman of the American Cancer Society and director and finance chairman of the Penn Lakes Girl Scout Council, among others.
Ed was a very active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as treasurer and finance chair, vice-president of council, and on other committees. In his retirement, he was treasurer and board member of the Quality Living Center, active with Conneaut Lake Historical Society and assisted numerous other groups and individuals.
Ed was also an avid Steeler fan and enjoyed being in, on, or at the water.
Survivors in addition to his wife, Grace, of 62 years, include four children, Edward F. (Mary Ann) Kaufman III, Wendy (Warren) Seeley, Barry (Lisa) Kaufman and Melodye (Doit) Koppler; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He will always be remembered for his love for God and others, constant smile, inherent optimism and generous heart.
“God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be; so He put His arms around you and whispered, “Come with me.” With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hears to prove to us, He only takes the best.”
— Frances and Kathleen Coelho
KAUFMAN — Calling hours for Edward F. Kaufman, who died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 649 Park Ave., Meadville.The celebration of life will follow at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Ben Travis, officiating. Military honors will be provided by Huidekoper VFW Post 2006.Entombment will be in Zelienople Community Mausoleum.In lieu of flowers, Ed suggested memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 649 Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335; Conneaut Lake Historical Society, P.O. Box 425, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316; or the Quality Living Center, 16871 Craig Road, Saegertown, PA 16433.Arrangements are under the direction of the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, MEADVILLE. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.
