Richard Alan Kaufman

Richard Alan Kaufman, 72, of Torrington, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 10th, 2018.  Rich was born in Hartford, the son of late Dr. Joseph R. Kaufman and Bernice Calef.

Rich is survived by his wife and solemate Janet Kaufman of Torrington; his daughter Heather Ventresca and her husband Michael and granddaughter Victoria of Southington.  Rich also leaves behind a step son Kirk Erskine and his wife Charlene of Escondido, CA, and four step daughters  Rebecca Grieco and her husband Mark of Harwinton, CT, Cindy Gabor and her husband Dr. Michael Gabor of Glastonbury, CT, Tracy O’Connell and her husband Kenneth of New Hartford, CT, and Shari  Erskine of Torrington, CT.  Rich also leaves behind twelve additional grandchildren, Jason, Heather, Katelin, Shane, Josh, Chelsea, Cody, Cory, Chase, Bryant, Kenneth, Timothy; and four great grandchildren, Haven, Bowie, Jackson, Savannah; a brother Jonathan Kaufman of Madison, NJ,  and leaves behind a niece Joanna and a nephew Benjamin.  He was predeceased by a step son Larry Dean Erskine and a brother Peter Kaufman.

After graduating from Bryant College in 1968, Rich proudly served four years in the Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict.  Rich began his career as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep which he did for 8 years.  In 1980 Rich founded Rich Kaufman Enterprises, selling merchandise to resort areas in 13 states.  From 1994 until his retirement in 2013, Rich worked in Connecticut as a Home Improvement Sales Representative.

Besides his love of family and friends, Rich enjoyed giving back to the community.  As a member of the Probus Club, Rich served as Auctioneer for many years.  Through the Probus Club, Rich worked with the Special Olympics, and was an active member of the Torrington Jaycees.  Rich enjoyed traveling, fishing, bowling, and was an avid table tennis player.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 14, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cook Funeral Home Chapel, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington with Rabbi Richard Eisenberg officiating.  Burial will follow at Sons of Jacob Cemetery, Torrington, with full military honors accorded.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich's memory may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852; or to Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway Suite 302, New York, N.Y. 10006.  Condolences may be sent to Rich’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com

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