David Frederick Kauffman, who was known as “Dave” to friends and coworkers, 74, formerly of Harrisburg, PA, passed away peacefully in the early morning on June 20, 2024, at Providence Place, Drums, PA, after a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Dementia.
Born in Lebanon, PA, on July 16, 1949, he was the son of the late Rachel Willauer Kauffman and Frederick Kauffman.
He grew up in Annville, PA, attended Annville United Methodist Church, and graduated from Annville-Cleona High School in 1967 and Robert Morris College in Keokuk, IA, in 1969. He worked at the Hershey Chocolate Factory and Hershey Amusement Park in his teens. David retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services in 2017 after 44 years of service. He held numerous positions during his years of public service, most recently as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Secretary for Social Programs, and then to the Deputy Secretary for Developmental Programs. David’s unlimited energy and dedication made him a true advocate for all people.
David was generous, stubborn, loving, and loyal to all his friends. He volunteered his time caring for friends with lengthy terminal illnesses. He served on his high school reunion committee for many years and attended a high school lunch group on a regular basis. He valued his friendship with his potter friend, Wendy Smith. During their long-treasured friendship, he assisted her at craft shows, where she exhibited her pottery.
David loved traveling. He spent time in Paris, France, visiting a friend and touring parts of Europe. He enjoyed cruising, most notably Panama and the Caribbean. He visited Hawaii and enjoyed many summer vacations at the Jersey Shore with his mother, sister, Sue Ellen Kauffman, and cousin, Nancy Frederick. He celebrated many Thanksgivings with his family in Blowing Rock, NC, and frequently visited his sister and mother in Florida.
He enjoyed bicycling, old movies, antiques, Disney World EPCOT, exploring grocery stores during his travels, cooking, church bazaars, and collecting yearbooks, flip-flops, and sunglasses. He hated glitter on anything!
David had an extremely quick wit and wonderful sense of humor; he could always bring laughter to family and friends. He had an excellent memory and served as a resource for family history.
David is survived by his sister, Sue Ellen Kauffman Telepman, of Saint Cloud, FL, with whom he was very close; brother, James (Jeanette) Kauffman, of Pfafftown, NC; his cousin and guardian, Nancy Frederick; one step-niece; three step-nephews; and five additional cousins. He is also survived by his lifelong friend, Jackie Plummer; friends, Teleta and Rich Nevius; and many more friends and coworkers.
The family is grateful to the staff at Providence Place for their care of David and most thankful for the loving care provided by his private aide Lucia.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 17, 2024, at Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, 618 E. Main St., Annville, PA, at 1 p.m., with a short visitation prior. Reverend William Lawson, of Advantage Hospice in Emmaus, PA, will lead the service. A private interment will follow at Oddfellows Cemetery in Tamaqua, PA.
Donations in David’s memory to the Alzheimer Association or the Dementia Society of America would be appreciated by his family.
We will always carry David’s memory in our hearts.
