Richard P. Kaufmann

Richard “Dick” Paul Kaufmann, 87, of Mohnton, PA, died peacefully in the early hours of the morning on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Richard was born on January 26, 1937 in Reading, PA to the late Paul and Elsa (Winkler) Kaufmann, who were a part of the German immigrant community in Reading. He is also predeceased by his older sister, Mildred Howells, and his sister-in-law JoanAnn Lapinski. 

Richard Kaufmann was the ideal of the American Dream. His motto was “It is a profound truth that one thing does lead to another,” and this rang true throughout Richard’s life.  Following graduation from Reading High, he went on to join the Air National Guard. With support from the G.I. Bill, he was able to attend the Philadelphia Textile Institute, now Thomas Jefferson University (where one of his grandchildren currently attends).  He graduated in 1960 with a B.S. in Textile Engineering. He owned and operated a successful textile mill in Shillington, PA, and was able to buy land in Cumru Twp. where he proposed to his wife of 64 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Kaufmann, née Matusevich of Mount Carmel, PA. When she said yes, he built their home of 62 years on that property, and they raised their family.

Richard could often be found outside appreciating the land around his home especially at sunrise and sunset or exploring the country while traveling to visit his children. He enjoyed watching sports including golf and baseball, and was an avid lifelong fan of both the Philadelphia and Reading Phillies. He loved attending sporting events at Governor Mifflin High School long after his children graduated, and could be found at flea markets in the area looking for treasures including vinyl records to add to his collection of thousands.  He took pride in giving listening “concerts” from that collection in his basement and talking about the words of many writers including Shakespeare, Hal Borland and Thoreau. However, what he loved most was spending time with his family, of whom he was exceptionally proud. He often remarked that when all of his family were gathered, he could ask any question and someone would know the answer. He was a man who valued intelligence, hard work, and family above all, and he was an exemplar of those values every day of his life.

Richard is survived by his wife Jacqueline, and their eight loving children & their spouses; James, Anne & Paul, Robert & Maureen, Christine & Michael, Mary & Anthony, David & Heather, Jean & Dan, and Carol & Lance. He is also survived by his nine adoring grandchildren Nathan, William, Grace, Greta, Katherine, Charlotte, Leah, Rae, and Lucy; who always knew him as “Pop.” 

Friends and family are invited to gather at St. John Baptist de la Salle on Kerrick Road in Shillington on Friday, April 19 for a service celebrating Richard’s life at 11 o'clock am. The family will receive visitors in the church prior to the service, beginning at 9 o’clock am.  The service will be followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org).

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