2011-J2832
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Arthur F. Kaufmann, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Arthur F. Kaufmann died on November 10, 2011, at the age of
88, while residing in Buda, Texas; and
WHEREAS, Son of Marie Gehri and Arthur Kaufmann, Arthur F. Kaufmann
was born in Cleveland, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, At age 14, Arthur F. Kaufmann met Anita Newton; seven years
later, on June 3, 1944, the two were married and together shared a life-
time of love; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as Art, Arthur F. Kaufmann honorably
served his country as a member of the United States Army during WWII,
including the battle of Okinawa; and
WHEREAS, In 1962, Arthur F. Kaufmann moved with his family to Vestal,
New York, to work with IBM as an engineer, helping to pioneer the proc-
ess of value-engineering; and
WHEREAS, During his career, Arthur F. Kaufmann assisted in solving
many of the problems of the Apollo Space Program, including the success-
ful moon landings; he is honorably mentioned in the NASA Hall of Fame,
and received many other awards and honors for his professional accom-
plishments; and
WHEREAS, Arthur F. Kaufmann distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Arthur F. Kaufmann's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Arthur F. Kaufmann was instrumental in building the Willough-
by Hills Methodist Church in Ohio, and served as a charter member for
many years; he also served as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for over
20 years; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife Anita; his parents, Arthur and Marie;
his stepfather, Otto Yenny; his sister Helen; and his nephew, Ross,
Arthur F. Kaufmann is survived by his 6 children; Leslie (Don), Heidi
(Donald), Jeff (Linda), Gary (Connie), Greg (Nancy), and Hilary (Craig),
and his grandchildren; Dana (Spencer), Erin, Rachel, Ryan, Crystal and
Shanna, as well as his great-grandchildren; Wiley, Sydney, Avalon, Bella
and Marcus; he is also survived by his brother, Lee, his sister, Nancy,
sisters-in-law, Loretta and Dorothea, special cousins, Ed (Marie), and
Anita (Jost), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Arthur F. Kaufmann leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Arthur F. Kaufmann, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Arthur F. Kaufmann.