Obituary of David Kaufman

David Kaufman April 5, 1929 ~ June 13, 2014 Monticello, NY David Kaufman of Monticello passed away at home on Friday, June 13, 2014, surrounded by his family. The son of Abraham Kaufman and Minnie Chiate Kaufman, he was 85 years old. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley Kaufman. David is survived by his daughter, Sylvia Kaufman and her husband, David Scher of Rockland County; his son, Steven B. Kaufman and his wife, Paula of Monticello; his grandchildren: Jonathan Samuel Kaufman Scher, Shannon Holland and her fiance, Keith Van Kueren, Justin Holland and his wife, Aimee; great-granddaughter, Nessiah Holland; sister, Esther Bohrer; brother, Norman Kaufman and wife, Phyllis; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews; and his devoted caregiver, Olive Benjamin. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother Irving Kaufman and wife, Harriet, and brother-in-law, Bernie Bohrer. David Kaufman was a loving husband, father and grandfather. A dedicated public official, community activist, volunteer and inspired humanitarian, David Kaufman was one of Sullivan County's most distinguished public servants. A lifetime resident of Monticello, David served nearly 40 years in numerous leadership roles. Beginning with his election as Trustee for the Village of Monticello, he subsequently became Mayor of the village, Supervisor of the Town of Thompson and ultimately, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Sullivan County. During that period David was also named Director of the New York State Association of Counties. After retiring as Supervisor, David was appointed CEO of the Monticello Housing Authority. Throughout his career, David was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including most recently his induction into the Monticello Central School District's 2013 Hall of Distinction, honoring the decades of compassionate self-sacrifice and his commitment to helping the citizens of Monticello find a better way of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Catskill Regional Medical Center, Landfield Avenue Synagogue, Ezras Torah or the charity of your choice. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. today, Sunday, June 15th at the Landfield Avenue Synagogue, Monticello; for more information call 845-794-7474, jngarlickfh@verizon.net. Shiva will be observed at the Kaufman home beginning Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.