Bernard Kaufman

Kaufman, Bernard
June 13, 1919 - Nov. 23, 2010

Bernard Kaufman, 91, of Sarasota and Boca Grande died Nov. 23, 2010 after a long battle with cancer. A gentle and caring man, he was a loving husband, father, step-father and grandfather.
Bernie was raised in Whiting, Ind., and graduated from Indiana University. After the serving in the Army during World War II, he owned the Hoosier Style Shop in Hammond, Ind. for many years. Subsequently, he worked at Continental Illinois Bank in Chicago and, after moving to Sarasota in 1964, Sarasota Bank. For the remainder of his career he was a realtor in Sarasota, with his own firm, B. Kaufman Realty.
Bernie was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rene.
He leaves behind his son, Kenneth Kaufman and daughter-in-law Lauren Kaufman, of Farmington, Conn.; and his step-daughter, Carol Button and her husband Kenneth Button, of Akron, Ohio; five adored grandchildren: Stephanie and Eric Kaufman, Dan (his wife Tammy), Cliff, and Keith Button; his sister-in-law, Rose Kaufman, wife of his predeceased brother Martin, their daughter Beverly Austgen and son Phillip Kaufman.
His family, friends, and clients will deeply miss his loving and supportive nature and his remarkable goodness.
Bernie's favorite pastimes included boating on the inter-coastal waterway, where he and Rene fished and discovered Boca Grande and their beach cottage, quiet hours at Selby Gardens, attending the Sarasota Orchestra, and spending time with his parrot, Poco.
The Kaufman and Button families wish to thank Christi Winfield and the staff of Tidewell Hospice for their caring support and assistance during his illness.
A celebration of Bernie's life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. at Selby Gardens.
Memorial donations may be made to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 and Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34238.