Bruce B. Kaufman

Bruce B. Kaufman Sr., born July 11, 1927 in Akron, Ohio passed away on February 16, 2024 at the young age of 96. After attending Akron schools, he was drafted into the Army, serving two years in Korea. Returning to the U.S., he was able to work in the produce market where he met his wife, Mary. They began a family, were able to travel around, moved to Texas, and somehow found their way back to Akron to work at Aerospace. Later on, Bruce found an interest in cars. He bought an old car, shined it up, then someone liked it better than him so he sold it for a profit then tried it again. This seemed to work out and he enjoyed it so much he wanted to start his own business. By 1959, he started his own dealership, KO Jeep Motors. He loved talking with people and made many friends along the way. 

Bruce enjoyed going deer hunting, golfing, snowmobiling, motor cycle riding, fishing (from local lakes to Canada), and somehow ended up in Alaska to snag a whale. He was able to take his family on many vacations around the world, and went back to Hawaii a couple of times. But, the best vacation he always talked about was the 3 trips to Jerusalem in the holy Land where he would tell you he was able to walk the land where Christ has walked, as he was a Christian himself. He enjoyed bowling and was able to bowl in national tournaments across the states, and sponsor many teams and leagues. He accomplished several high scores including perfect games of 300, series over 800, and many other achievements. Just last year, he was inducted into the Tri County Bowling Hall of Fame, what an accomplishment. He always told the story about bowling a 300 game against his daughter’s team and LOST the game. He attended Brown Street Church of Christ where he taught bible classes for years and was a deacon to serve the Lord. He was married to Mary for 71 years, and raised 4 children, Mary Ellen, Bruce JR, Brian, and Brad. 

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents, William Chester Kaufman and Helen E. (Porter) Kaufman; step mother, Lennis H. Hedgecoth (grandma baby) and step father, Henry Compton; and his son, Bruce Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Ellen Hampton; sons, Brian Kaufman, Brad Kaufman (Tiffany); several grandchildren, Richie, Kris, Patrick, Kari, Jason, Danielle, Brittnee, Madison, Kyrell Joseph, Darius Morgan, and foster children of Brian Kaufman, KJ Smith, Robert Blue, Nate Fannin, Jumarri Sims; and many great grandchildren.

Bruce is the perfect example of an honest, Christian man, dedicated and loving husband and a wonderful father. He loved his entire family and many friends. 

Thank you to all of his doctors that helped him along his journey, and were able to give him those extra years of life. Thank you to all the staff at Summa Hospital that cared for him until the end. Thank you to his dermatologist, Jennifer Popovsky who he looked forward to visiting often.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 4-8 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home in Akron, A service will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. with 1 hour of calling prior. (547 Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44312). Burial to follow at Hillside Memorial Park. A meal will be held following the burial at Center on the Lake, 2491 Canfield Rd. Akron, OH 44312

Until we meet again, you will be missed.