Joseph Kaufman

1925 - 2017

September 12, 1925 - June 15, 2017 Born in the little town of Parkin, Arkansas, in 1925, the youngest of three children, Joe moved to LA at the age of 10 but would never forget his small town roots. After graduating from El Monte High School, he joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 as a bombardier. A true example of the "greatest generation," he spent the '50s and '60s building a successful business with his brother-in-law Don selling upholstery fabrics and chemicals. He was the true "salesman"; never met a stranger he didn't consider his friend. A sweetheart of a guy, he enjoyed so many activities as the years whirled by and exposed his loving sons Jeffrey and Gary to cabins in Yosemite, summer weeks in Laguna Beach, sailing to Catalina every weekend, long rides on their own horse, warm nights in Palm Springs as boys, both water- and snow-skiing and raising funds for United Jewish Federation. He did it all. After 20 years in North Hollywood and Encino, he spent the next 40 years loving his life on the beach in Malibu before moving 10 years ago to La Quinta, enjoying the mountain, desert and golf course vistas. Along the way, he had so many warm rewarding relationships with family and friends who will all greatly miss his corny jokes and beautiful smiles. He slipped away gently after too few years (a brief 91) in the early morning of June 15 but we're so appreciative for the time we had together. We will always miss you, love you and treasure your memory. He leaves behind his loving bride of 68 years Phyllis, sons Jeffrey (Linda) and Gary (Martha), 4 adoring grandchildren Jennifer (Aryeh), Lindsay (Anders), Amanda and Casey, and 3 great-grandchildren (Ezra, Aaron and Kaia). And so many good times. Rest in well-deserved peace. Services Monday, June 19, 2 PM at Mount Sinai Memorial Park, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive. A memorial will follow this summer in La Quinta.