Richard Kaufman was co-chairman for the annual campaign of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta for consecutive years. Carol Cooper, who chairs the Federation board, worked alongside Mr. Kaufman during the fundraisers. He was perfect for the job, she said, because he cared deeply and his efforts were appreciated.
"He had a great heart for the job," she said. "He helped build this community into a better community. He wanted to see it thrive and blossom."
The Augusta native's philanthropy and civic involvement were significant. He supported the Greenfield Hebrew Academy and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, among other endeavors. He was a board member for The Davis Academy.
In 2008, the Marcus center recognized Mr. Kaufman for exceptional community service. That same year, the Hebrew Academy cited his civic involvement, as well.
"Richard was a very active volunteer," said Steven A. Rakitt the Federation's president and CEO. "He was a generous individual and a generous soul. He made a connection with everyone and cared deeply about everyone."
Mr. Kaufman's generosity wasn't always high profile. He did things outside the spotlight that people didn't know. Chuck Wolf and Steve Selig said it was hard to to keep up with their friend when it came time to pay a tab or tip a waiter.
Two years ago, the Seligs and Kaufmans took a trip to South Africa that included a tour of the wild.
"I think Richard tipped the animals to get them to stand close to us," joked Mr. Selig of Atlanta. "When I was a young, my father used to say everybody was replaceable, but he was talking about business. Richard Kaufman is not replaceable; his passing has left a deep hole in our community."
In March, Richard Louis Kaufman was diagnosed with throat cancer. He died Monday from complications of the disease at his home. He was 55. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta. Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care is in charge of arrangements.
For 20 years, Mr. Kaufman served as CEO for Kaufman Supply, a family business that produced and sold manufactured home supplies. The avid golfer sold the business in 1998 and afterward dabbled in real estate and investments with friends such as Mr. Wolf of Atlanta.
"We didn't make a lot of money, but we had big fun," he said. "We had a group of guys and all of us thought we were Richard's best friend. His death is a shocker to us."
Mr. Kaufman was born in Augusta and moved to Atlanta as a toddler. The Briarcliff High School alumnus attended the University of Alabama. He played defensive back as a walk-on for Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and even appeared in a Crimson Tide football game.
"He made a tackle in that game, and had a recording of the play being announced," Mr. Selig said. "He was very proud of that."
Additional survivors, all Atlantans, include his wife, Barbara Babbit Kaufman; his mother, Shirlye Kaufman Birnbrey; two daughters, Michelle Vizurraga and Lauren Kaufman; a son, Garrett Kaufman; two stepdaughters, Jennifer Babbit Bodnerand Betsy Babbit Perkel; two brothers, Jeff Kaufman and Mark Kaufman; a sister, Karen Senft, and four grandchildren.
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