Richard Kaufman
December 03, 1931 - October 20, 2021
Obituary
Richard Milton Kaufman December 3, 1931 – October 20, 1921 Richard (Dick) Kaufman, 89, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on October 20, 2021. He was born on December 3, 1931 in Speedway, Indiana to the late William and Leona (Gropp) Kaufman. In addition, to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Verda Denton, brother Wilbur Kaufman and son R. Gregory Kaufman. He graduated from Speedway High School, enrolled in Purdue Extension, was enlisted in the Army for 2 years and returned to graduate from Purdue University with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1950. Upon graduation he was employed by the Allison Gas Turbine division of General Motors in Indianapolis where he remained in dedicated service for 34 years until his retirement in 1990. Never one to sit still, Dick began his second career working for his nephew at Indianapolis Metal Spinning for 17 more years. While working at General Motors, Dick went on a blind date where he met Norma Jean Santini and fell in love and got married in 1958. They both remarked in later years how they were truly “meant to be”. They enjoyed a life full of socializing, dancing, and travelling extensively both nationally and internationally. Dick enjoyed working outside, tending to his yard and garden, and volunteering in local politics as Vice-precinct Committeeman. Always a race fan, he served as an Indianapolis Motor Speedway Safety Patrolman (aka the “Yellow Shirts”) for over 34 years when he became a member of the Old Timers Club. Everyone who knew Dick loved him due to his friendly, youthful and kind spirit. Dick is survived by his wife, Norma Kaufman; children, Brian (Kristen) Kaufman, Kevin (Briana) Kaufman, Karen (Chris) Bailey and five grandchildren, Francesca Kaufman, Adam, Ivan and Aviana Kaufman and Henry Bailey. Family and friends may call on Thursday, October 28th from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at Stevens Mortuary at 5520 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224. Visitation will be held Friday, October 29th at St. Christopher Catholic Church at 5301 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46224 at 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 am. Richard will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana at 9001 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240 immediately following Mass.
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Memories
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Sandy Swearingen
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Lit a candle in memory of Richard M. Kaufman
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Pat & Alice Sweeney
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Our sincere condolences to the Kaufman family. Pat worked with Dick starting in 1987 (hard to believe that was only 3 years until he retired). Fortunately we were blessed to see Dick and Norma at mass every Sunday and visit afterward. One of our favorite memories is joining in their 50th wedding anniversary celebration and watching them dance the night away. We are honored and privileged to have had Dick in our lives for so long. -- Pat & Alice Sweeney
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Jim Grande
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Dear Norma, You have my condolences on the passing of Dick. I have very fond memories of often playing tennis with Dick at Riverside Park and spending many days together at the Grande Greenhouses while growing up. I also saw him many times while we both attended mass downtown at St. John's. He was a dear, dear friend. Dick and your family are in my prayers.
Love, Jim Grande/Greenfield, IN
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Gerri Hodson
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I remember so many good times with Dick and Norma with laughter and joy. Dick was always interesting and an accepting person with his delightful smile. My friendship with Dick goes back decades as he was my husband Garry’s childhood friend, and I became his friend too.
I’m sure we can say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest in peace.”
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Gerri Hodson
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We had such a good time when Dick and Norma were in Palo Alto to visit with Norma's family and we crashed the party.