Arthur J. Kaufman, 82 of Saunderstown, RI, passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife and children.
Arthur was born on July 2, 1941, to Morris and Lorene (Freund) Kaufman in Providence, RI. Arthur attended The Rectory School, Bordentown Military Institute and Warwick Veterans High School. At the age of 17, Arthur enlisted in the US Navy. He served from 1958-1962, much of that time on the destroyer USS Charles H Roan DD 853. During Arthur’s service on the Roan, the ship cruised the Red Sea and harbored in many Persian Gulf ports. Arthur spoke of his experience in the Navy with fondness and appreciated his experience abroad and the mentorship of Commodore Henry E. Eccles. He briefly considered a career in the Navy.
In 1962, Arthur met Mary Boylan at the Newport Jazz Festival. Both attended Warwick Vet’s but she had yet to notice him until he was dressed in his Navy whites. Arthur and Mary resided mostly in their hometown of Warwick, RI where they raised their two children Jim and Dyanne.
Upon discharge from the Navy, Arthur went into sales, joining his father, Morris, at the Sweetheart Cup Company. His career at Sweetheart ended when he decided to go into business for himself.
Arthur founded and served as president for the Arthur J Kaufman Sales Company in 1965. AJK Sales grew to become one of the largest manufacturers’ representative companies in the food service packaging industry.
In 1989, Arthur founded and served as president of AM-Source LLC, a plastic food service manufacturing business. That business was ultimately sold to Amscan, the parent to Party City.
Arthur was an incredibly adept salesman. He was highly respected by his peers and competitors: he was honest and ethical. He would tell his children; “a handshake should be as good as a written contract.” He cared for his employees and provided them with excellent benefits and additional assistance if families were in need. “We will figure it out” was his response to everything. He never let a single person down.
Arthur took pride in everything he did, especially maintaining his homes and antique cars, tending to his vegetable garden, cooking and hosting many celebrations and events in his backyard or sports bar. Arthur was also an avid sports fan and memorabilia collector. Ted Williams, being one of his lifelong heroes. He followed so many teams including the ones his grandchildren were on.
Arthur was an eternal optimist and fought through illness like no other. On June 4th, God’s will interceded and he is in eternal peace where he will join so many dear departed friends and family, especially his twin brother, Allan Kaufman and his sister, Diane Young.
Arthur leaves behind his wife, Mary Kaufman; son, James Kaufman and his wife, Sarah Bentley Pearson; daughter, Dyanne Kaufman; grandchildren, Chase Kaufman, Taryn Kaufman, Coleman Hayes, Jameson Kaufman, Fallon Kaufman and Pearson Powell. He also leaves behind his sister, Anne Velis, and many nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank Dr. Christopher Seidler and the entire South County Hospital staff, Hope Hospice and the caregivers and close family friends who supported us at home, especially Maria Farias and John Karofsky.
Visiting hours will be held at Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd. North Kingstown, RI on Wednesday, June 19th from 4:00-8:00 PM. A service will also be held at Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20th at 11:00 AM followed by a burial at the RI Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Exeter and a celebration of life at the Rocky Hill School, East Greenwich.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Health Hospice Care, HopeHealthCo.Org/MemorialGiving or The Wounded Warriors Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/. In the spirit of giving time and mentorship as Arthur always did, the family invites you to make an act of human generosity in your community and share it with us.
Kindly visit the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home online for information and condolences, www.TheQuinnFuneralHome.com
