Gerald J Kaufman, Jr.

Jerry Kaufman lost his three year battle with cancer on March 29 in Brecksville Ohio. He took a major hand in determining his course of treatment with a dogged determination and attention to detail that was so characteristic of him. Jerry fought the disease with courage, determination and dignity, surviving far longer than anyone expected. Jerry was born on November 28, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Brecksville High School in 1969 and went on to The Ohio State University, earning a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, emphasizing Computer Science. Jerry moved to Colorado in 1974 to work as a software engineer for Hewlett-Packard. As a dedicated professional he became a lead engineer who continually worked on cutting-edge projects and travelled internationally on behalf of H-P, retiring after more than thirty years with the company. Jerry was a wonderful, unique man, admired and respected by all who knew him. He knew how to listen. He loved to read. He wrote poetry. He told stories. He was a marksman, regularly competing in pistol matches. He enjoyed life-long friendships.Jerry's passion was soaring - flying his glider, powered only by his remarkable skill to find rising air lifting him to great heights and distances. He was one of the most accomplished glider pilots in the United States. Over the years, Jerry set one world, five national, and sixty-two state soaring records, and accumulated over 4,000 hours of piloting time in gliders. Jerry is survived by parents, Gerald J Kaufman, Sr. and Elizabeth, brother Michael Kaufman (Pamela Finzel), sister Deborah Kaufman, loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and devoted friends - Steve Hopkins and Dave Kinsell. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Step 13, 2029 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205 or The Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland, CA 94621. Jerry’s ashes will be returned to Colorado at a future date. A Memorial Mass will be held at Assumption of the BVM Church, 9183 Broadview Rd., Broadview Heights on Wednesday, April 4 at 10:00 AM. A gathering of family and friends will be held at 9173 Dogwood Dr, Brecksville, on April 7, 2-5:00. For details contact Faulhaber Funeral Home (440-526-7315).