Edward F. Kaufman

Edward F. Kaufman, 88, of Meadville went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, November 8, 2017, surrounded by his family at Meadville Medical Center.

Ed was born in New Brighton, PA, 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 US Army.

Ed enjoyed his youth at the family’s “Dream Cottage” at Conneaut Lake and managed 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 Rt. 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 PA 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 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.  He 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. Kaufman III (Mary Ann), Wendy Seeley (Warren), Barry Kaufman (Lisa), and Melodye Koppler (Doit); 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 hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.” – Frances and Kathleen Coelho

Calling hours will be Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and Saturday from 9-10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 649 Park Avenue, Meadville.

The Celebration of Life will follow Saturday at 10 a.m. at the church with Rev. Ben Travis, Pastor, officiating and military honors provided by Huidekoper VFW Post #2006.

Entombment will be in Zelienople Community Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, Ed suggests memorials be made to:  Trinity Lutheran Church, 649 Park Avenue, 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, INC., MEADVILLE.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.