Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Ronald G. Kaufman, 81, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly early Tuesday morning, February 16, 2021 in his home.
Ronald was born on January 20, 1940 in Sandusky to the late August and Melva (Buchman) Kaufman.
Ron was a 1957 graduate from Sandusky High School and then attended The University of Toledo on a football scholarship. Ron obtained his Bachelor of Education Degree from UT in 1962, with majors in math, physical sciences, government and social studies. Upon graduation, Ron immediately enrolled in the College of Law at the University of Toledo. While attending law school he worked as a fulltime teacher in the Toledo Public Schools and at Perkins High School. In 1966 he obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree and shortly thereafter became a partner in a law firm.
Practicing law was not enough for Ron, so in 1969 in his spare time he started a unique tourist business, African Lion Safari in Port Clinton, Ohio. Soon thereafter, he purchased Fort Firelands and was instrumental in the development and addition of the camp ground.
After selling these businesses, Ron needed some new goals. In 1980 Ronald was elected as the Common Pleas Judge of the Probate Division for Erie County. While serving in that capacity, he was appointed by the Supreme Court of Ohio to hear cases in the General Division of Erie County Common Pleas Court and many other courts throughout the State of Ohio. After leaving the bench, Ronald served as magistrate of Huron County Ohio Common Pleas Court for 11 years while maintaining his own private law firm.
Ron loved to stay busy and involved. He was elected to the Sandusky Board of Education in 1972 and served as a Member for 8 years. He served on many other boards including Sandusky Rotary, Emanuel United Church of Christ, Sandusky Blue Streaks Booster Club, the University of Toledo Foundation Board, and the Erie County Bar Association. Ron also was a member of the Ohio State Bar Association. He was elected to Sandusky Board of Education in 1972 and served as a Member for 8 years.
Ron made many special friends while doing the things he loved like playing golf, poker, hunting, fishing and attending sporting events. Ron and Jackie opened there home to many of the neighborhood kids and their sons' friends including Kay Holmes Adcox and Paul Linnemeier who were "adopted" into the family as if one of their own. Ron always made sure everyone else was taken care of before himself. His memory will live on in the countless stories he loved to share with everyone.
This loving father and grandfather leaves his 3 sons, Christopher Darby Kaufman, Michael Darby (Sarah Schindley) Kaufman and Jonathan Darby (Melissa Mehling) Kaufman; his 5 grandchildren, Ashley (AJ), Braden, Jackson, Cameron and Reagan Kaufman.
In addition to his parents, Ronald is preceded in by his loving wife of 58 years, Jacklyn (Darby) Kaufman; infant son, Matthew and siblings, Vince, June, Ethlyn, August and Oral.
Friends and family may call on Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 4-7:00pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave, Sandusky. Friends may also call on Friday, February 19, 2021 in the funeral home from 10:00am until the time of funeral services at 11:00am. Pastor Monty Kaufman will officiate. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky.
Those wishing to contribute to Ronald's memory may do so to the Sandusky Rotary Clothes Kids, PO Box 717, Sandusky, OH 44871 or to Emmanuel UCC, 334 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com
