Ron Kaufmann, Sr.

Ronald Charles Kaufmann, Sr., 69 of Lakeland, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

Ron was born September 13, 1952, in Stamford, CT. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George P. and Rosa M. (nee Zapf) Kaufmann.

As a boy he was an active participant in the Boy Scouts of America. Later, he became involved in Young Life and Demolay, where he held the office of Past Master Counselor. He was a graduate of Rippowam High School where he met the love of his life, Donna Lee DeBartolo. Ron earned his BA and MBA from New Hampshire College.

After graduating college, Ron accepted his first job in Concord, NH where he worked as an accountant for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Throughout his career he worked for various companies where he served as a specialized accountant in healthcare. His positions ranged from reimbursement accountant to corporate compliance officer. No matter the title, the company, or the assignment, he did his job, and did it well!

Throughout his life, his family lived in different cities and states where he made friends and had cherished time with his family. While living in West Chester, PA he was able to live near two of his siblings and his mother. This was a time in his life that was particularly important to have that precious time with his mom.

In 1990, he moved his family to Lakeland, FL to work for Lakeland Regional Medical Center in the accounting department. The move to Lakeland was meaningful as this was where his two children graduated from high school. As a dad, he was an active band parent at Lake Gibson High School for many years. He also served in various adult leadership roles for Boy Scout Troop 721.

Ron continued to advance in his career by moving up in his companies, however, it did mean several out of state moves.

After a 10-year absence from the Tampa Bay area, Ron returned to be near his children. The year he returned, his only grandchild was born in the hospital that brought the family to Florida, and where he finished his career.

Ron was an active member of the Lutheran Church his entire life. He served as treasurer and
council president in his former parishes, and he was a current member of the church choir at St.
Paul Lutheran Church. He sang in every church he worshipped at throughout his life. Ron loved to travel and was always planning the next big trip! Ron had a phenomenal sense of humor and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters Bobbi (George) Melfi and Ruth (Carl) Forrester.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Lee (nee DeBartolo) Kaufmann of 48 years. He was the loving father of Julie Kaufmann of New Port Richey, FL, and Ron Kaufmann, Jr. and his wife Heather of Lakeland, FL. He was the cherished grandfather of Daniel Kaufmann. In addition, he is survived by his brothers George Kaufmann, Jr. and his wife, Kathleen of Bear, DE and Rev. Peter DeBartolo and his wife, Karen of Middleburgh, NY. His adored nieces and nephews include: Marcy DeEmedio of Lewes, DE; Jodi (Chris) Marschhauser of Bel Air, MD; Dyan Kaufmann of Milton, DE; Christine (Paul) Piechnik of Madison, NJ; Karren Melfi of Whippany, NJ; Stephen Melfi of Applegate, OR; Loren Lafferty of Whippany, NJ; Peter (Bryana) DeBartolo of Mineola, NY; Joshua (Alison) DeBartolo of Annapolis, MD; Zachary (Ashley) DeBartolo of Glenmont, NY; and Rev. Seth (Chrissy) DeBartolo of Fort Myers, FL.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, from 4-7pm, at Lakeland Funeral Home, 2125 Bartow Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, at 10am, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4450 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33813.

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