Robert "Bob" Leonard Kaufman

Robert Leonard Kaufman of Rockville, Maryland, loving partner, father, son, brother and friend passed away suddenly on April 19, 2023 at age 61. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Bob (or Bobby as he was known to some) was a true renaissance man. Even in high school, he excelled at nearly everything he tried – sports, the arts and academics – most notably playing the trumpet. Shortly before he left to attend college at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Bob decided to focus on learning piano and spent hours and hours of time as an undergraduate and in his adult life perfecting his skills. Bob received a Bachelor of Science in Economics at Penn. While initially deciding to attend Penn’s Medical School, Bob ultimately realized business and organizational success were his true calling, and he left medical school and took a role with Andersen Consulting in South Africa. While there, he was introduced to the early notions of what became known as “change management,” and spent the next 30+ years of his life pursuing his true passion and dedicating himself to assisting various organizations through successful large-scale changes.

While Bob was a brilliant man with a long list of professional accomplishments, he will be remembered most for the person he was – a gentle giant with an incredibly generous heart and giving spirit -- whose sense of humor was consistently present in every interaction. He adored his son, Ben, who brought Bob endless joy, pride and laughter. His family and friends were paramount, and he found true happiness with his love, Nancy.

Bob is survived by his son, Ben; his mother, Honey; his partner, Nancy Barnes; his sister, Esther Harper and her husband Peter; his brother, Larry and his wife Rabbi Melissa Crespy; his son’s mother, Sharon Strauss; his nieces and nephews: Avi, Bella, Netanya, David, Maggie and Lina; and Gabi, David and Tati to whom he was an important father figure; and a host of other family members, friends and colleagues.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, 189 Gill Lane, Iselin, NJ.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to his son’s college fund at www.virginia529.com (select “Gifting” and then select “Contribute online” and utilize Gift ID: W0J3FO3). Please leave a message of condolence here.