Obituary of Russell Edward Kauffman

Russell Edward Kauffman, Jr., a retired facilities person at the Metropolitan State Hospital, passed away after a long illness on Friday morning, February 7, 2020. He was 85 years old. Russell was born in Malden. He was one of two sons born to Russell and Mae Kauffman. He grew up and was educated in Malden. He met his wife, Nancy, who was a Burlington native, at a dance in 1957 at the Boat House in Wakefield. In 1958, they were married at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Burlington. They continued to dance together for the next 62 years. Russell started his career working at Converse Rubber in Malden. He then took a position at Benevento Sand and Gravel. He moved one more time to Wakefield Bearing before taking his final position at the Metropolitan State Hospital in Waltham. He went to work in their engineering department. He knew all the trades and could fix almost anything. During the 25 years at the aging facility, he was always kept busy doing plumbing, electrical, heating, and any other issue that arose. He retired in 1992 due to the closing of the Metropolitan State Hospital. Russell had resided in Malden for 70 years. In 2005, he and his wife moved to Tewksbury. He enjoyed working on projects and maintaining his home. He was a car enthusiast. He did auto repairs and was always washing and polishing his cars. He was a great teacher to his sons. Even though it would be easier to fix their cars himself, he would teach them how to diagnose the issue and guide them on how to make the repairs. He was an avid swimmer and fisherman. He and his family rented cottages in the state of Maine for the past 30 years. He enjoyed that time spent as a family, sitting on the beach, and fishing. He and Nancy where always one of the first on the dance floor at weddings and other socials. They also enjoyed traveling to destinations including Arizona, California, Florida, Caribbean, and especially Hawaii. The last few years of Russell’s life have been filled with health issues, but he was lovingly cared for by his beloved wife, son, grandchildren, and in-laws. Russell was the beloved husband of 62 years to Nancy Jane (Bucknam) Kauffman. He was the loving father of Russell Edward Kauffman, III of Haverhill and David Kauffman of Danville, NH. He was predeceased by his brother and his wife Ronald and Alice Kauffman. He was the proud grandfather of Kristen McCormick & her husband Scott, Samantha Kauffman, Stephanie Kauffman, Sandra Anderson & her husband Erick. He was the great grandfather of Madison McCormick, Riley McCormick, and Jacob Kauffman. He was the brother-in-law of Ronald Bucknam, Virginia and Robert Bucknam. Russell was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA on Tuesday February 11 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 12 at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Funeral services will conclude with a burial in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Russell’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or www.stjude.org