Ronald G. Kaufman

SANDUSKY — Ronald G. Kaufman, 81, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly early Tuesday morning, Feb. 16, 2021, in his home. Ronald was born on Jan. 20, 1940, in Sandusky to the late August and Melva (Buchman) Kaufman. Ron was a 1957 graduate from Sandusky High School and then attended The University of Toledo on a football scholarship. Ron obtained his bachelor of education degree from UT in 1962, with majors in math, physical sciences, government and social studies. Upon graduation, Ron immediately enrolled in the College of Law at the University of Toledo. While attending law school, he worked as a full-time teacher in the Toledo Public Schools and at Perkins High School. In 1966, he obtained his doctor of jurisprudence degree and, shortly thereafter, became a partner in a law firm. Practicing law was not enough for Ron, so, in 1969, in his spare time, he started a unique tourist business, African Lion Safari in Port Clinton. Soon thereafter, he purchased Fort Firelands and was instrumental in the development and addition of the campground. After selling these businesses, Ron needed some new goals. In 1980, Ronald was elected as the Common Pleas Judge of the Probate Division for Erie County. While serving in that capacity, he was appointed by the Supreme Court of Ohio to hear cases in the General Division of Erie County Common Pleas Court and many other courts throughout the State of Ohio. After leaving the bench, Ronald served as magistrate of Huron County Ohio Common Pleas Court for 11 years while maintaining his own private law firm. Ron loved to stay busy and involved. He was elected to the Sandusky Board of Education in 1972 and served as a member for eight years. He served on many other boards including Sandusky Rotary, Emanuel United Church of Christ, Sandusky Blue Streaks Booster Club, the University of Toledo Foundation Board and the Erie County Bar Association. Ron also was a member of the Ohio State Bar Association. Ron made many special friends while doing the things he loved like playing golf, poker, hunting, fishing and attending sporting events. Ron and Jackie opened their home to many of the neighborhood kids and their sons' friends, including Kay Holmes Adcox and Paul Linnemeier who were "adopted" into the family as if one of their own. Ron always made sure everyone else was taken care of before himself. His memory will live on in the countless stories he loved to share with everyone. This loving father and grandfather leaves his three sons, Christopher Darby Kaufman, Michael Darby (Sarah Schindley) Kaufman and Jonathan Darby (Melissa Mehling) Kaufman; and his five grandchildren, Ashley (AJ), Braden, Jackson, Cameron and Reagan Kaufman. In addition to his parents, Ronald is preceded in by his loving wife of 58 years, Jacklyn (Darby) Kaufman; infant son, Matthew; and siblings, Vince, June, Ethlyn, August and Oral. Friends and family may call from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. Friends may also call on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral services, at 11 a.m. Pastor Monty Kaufman will officiate. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky. Those wishing to contribute to Ronald's memory may do so to the Sandusky Rotary Clothes Kids, PO Box 717, Sandusky, OH 44871 or to Emmanuel UCC, 334 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870. Condolences may be shared at grofffuneralhomes.com