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BORN
1939
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Elias Kaufman Obituary
Dr. Elias
Jan 25, 1939 - Apr 4, 2025
Husband of Madeleine Kaufman, PhD.; father of Dr. Rachel (Lawrence Gosse) Kaufman, Benjamin Kaufman and the late Bena Kaufman; brother of Laura Kaufman, PhD.; grandfather of Clara and Micah. A Private Graveside Service will be held by the family. Memorials may be made to Buffalo Jewish Federation, Hospice Foundation of WNY or a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elias Kaufman
6 Entries
Donald Rusnak
April 9, 2025
I have been privileged to call him a friend since 1972. A wonderful generous human being of many talents. What a great banjo player! We will all miss him. RIP
Tony Thomas
April 7, 2025
Eli cared, He cared about history. He cared about the banjo. He cared about getting things right. He cared about research. He cared. He did something that helped preserved and expand our knowledge of the banjo and its history, and involved people and kept one of the most important organizations in preserving the true history of the banjo together and expanded it and helped lead a new generation. He thought it was important to get things right, but at the same time you could tell he cared about people. Like Ray, for more than a decade my wife and I have received holiday cards with pictures of the children, and nowadays pictures of the grand children. He cared beyond himself, and gave to the world, and must have been such a supreme joy and strength for his family. We should not cry but celebrate how he passed through the world, and try to do for the world and our families what Eli has done for us. Thank you Eli Kaufman
Ray Jones
April 7, 2025
So sorry to hear of Eli's passing. Every Christmas he would send me a postcard with his children playing their banjos. I have watched them grow up through the years. My condolences to his his family.
Jim Bollman
April 7, 2025
The banjo community has lost one of its most important members. Eli was always a fount of knowledge which he shared freely. He will be sorely missed. I'll miss his friendship and will treasure the good times spent with him over the years. Deepest sympathies to Madeleine, Rachel, Ben and family.
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