Frank Joseph Kaufman

Frank Joseph Kaufman, 75, died on April 26th at his home in Holly Springs, North Carolina. He was the only child of Carmen “Betty” Beatty Kaufman and Joseph F.X. Kaufman. Frank is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diane Laurendeau Kaufman, his daughter, Elizabeth Kaufman Mastrangelo, his son-in-law, Richard Mastrangelo, and two granddaughters, Amy and Riley Mastrangelo.

Frank was born on July 16th, 1944, in New York City, where he lived until moving to North Carolina in 2018. He attended St. Bernard's School in Manhattan and had a life-long appreciation for the education he received there. Frank received a B.A. in history from Hamilton College in 1966, studied Russian history at Yale, and then settled on a career in law and finance. He graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1972. His integrity and wise counsel led to a long career at the McGraw-Hill Companies, which he joined in 1974 as a tax attorney. He retired in 2007 as Senior Vice President and head of the Tax Department.

In his childhood and young adulthood, Frank spent much time traveling in France and Spain. However, throughout his life, Frank loved New York. He spent many days at the Metropolitan Museum, immersing himself in European art. He also loved sports. As a child, Frank was a devoted Brooklyn Dodgers fan. Later, having played hockey in high school and college, he was loyal to the New York Rangers. With his mother, he enjoyed summers on Long Island, sailing and playing tennis with his friends and cousins.

In later years, Frank enjoyed spending time in Maine with his extended family, including Diane’s parents and four siblings, as well as seven nieces and nephews, and their spouses, who loved Frank very much. At his vacation home on Sebago Lake, Frank enjoyed swimming and boating with his wife and daughter. Frank also enjoyed many happy family trips to Canada and Disney World.

During his retirement, Frank enjoyed reading French and Russian history and literature. He also spent many days walking with his wife in Central Park and visiting New York museums. Additionally, Frank was proud to volunteer at the AARP and help elderly New Yorkers prepare their taxes.

The birth of his granddaughters brought special joy to the last years of Frank’s life. Frank and Diane moved to North Carolina in order to be near Elizabeth and her family.

Throughout his life, Frank was endearingly unconventional and free-spirited. All appreciated his unfailing generosity, intelligence, and humor. His discretion and care for others made him a source of counsel and support to family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a time and format to be determined in the near future. Please visit this online obituary page for updates: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/apex-nc/frank-kaufman-9151424.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas More Church (65 East 89th Street, New York, NY), St. Mary Magdalene Church (Apex, NC), the New York Common Pantry (New York, NY), or the Holly Springs Food Cupboard.