Neil Kaufman, long-time resident of Sudbury, Massachusetts, died Sunday August 8, 2021 at the age of 84. Son of Joseph and Rose Kaufman of Toledo, Ohio and brother of Howard Kaufman and Virginia Kaufman Unger who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of (nearly) 63 years Phyllis and daughter Susan Kaufman. Phyllis and Neil met in 1957 and married August 16, 1958.
Neil attended The University of Toledo, earning a bachelors in chemical engineering and masters in organic chemistry and was a proud member of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Chemical Engineer Organic Chemist Neil's professional career started in Toledo, Ohio at Ottawa Chemical Company, then moved on to Burroughs Welcome in Tuckahoe, NY.
He spent the last 28 years of his career at Polaroid. For most of his working life, he led pilot plant operations, chemical manufacturing and production. He mentored many of his staff not only at Polaroid but throughout his career. He also enjoyed teaching and supporting
many college and university students.
Master Point Bridge Player - for many years from college on, Neil spent many pleasurable hours playing competitive bridge with his bridge buddies He was a Patriots fan also, before, during and after the Tom Brady years.
Radio Controlled Flyer - He built beautiful radio controlled model airplanes which he loved flying and also taught many how to fly. Neil was a long time member of the Sudbury Republican Committee and was honored to serve several years as its Chairperson.
Neil had extensive medical challenges for much of his life and his family would like to thank the many members of his medical care team including: Dr. Hasan Bazari, Dr. Charles Boucher, Dr. Jessica Fuchs, Dr. Sarah Schoenfeld, Dr. Charles Taylor, Dr. Michelle Weil and Dr. Andrew Allegretti.
Thanks also go to the caring staff at Massachusetts General and Framingham Union hospitals, Care Dimensions Hospice, Lincoln, MA and all the doctors' offices - there are too many to name here.
As a member of Congregation B'nai Torah in Sudbury, Neil and Phyllis wrote the newsletter for the membership in the early years. He documented the construction of the Temple Building and designed and built the original sign for the Boston Post Road location, making each letter by hand. He also hand-built a game for the children of the congregation to use during Purim carnivals. He enjoyed attending the rabbis' lectures and loved cooking for the barbecues with the Brotherhood.
Neil loved to travel and took many memorable trips with Phyllis, including European cruises, a trip to Russia, the Baltic states, a trip to Israel and the Middle East, trips to the Caribbean, travels to Asia for his work and more recently, time spent in the winter in Florida with family and friends. He managed one last trip to Florida earlier this year, despite Covid and enjoyed spending some time in the sunshine.
Neil enjoyed hearing people laugh - sometimes even at his jokes.
Services are graveside at New Town Cemetery, 357 Concord Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776 at 11:30am.
Use the following link to watch the service. Click to watch https://tinyurl.com/NeilKaufman
DONATIONS
Massachusetts General Cardiology - Mass General Development Office125 Nashua Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-1101
American Chemical Society Scholarship Fund1155 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, Washington, D.C. 20036
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