Newell Edward Kaufman

Newell Edward Kaufman, age 85, of Ottawa Hills, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Irene Anna Nakos Kaufman who survives him. They celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary in 2010. Newell was born in Toledo on July 13, 1925 to Mary Larkin and Edward Martin Kaufman. After graduating from DeVilbiss High School he served in the U.S. Army Infantry Division, Intelligence and Reconnaissance in Italy. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge in Europe during World War II. During his service he was an intelligence observer for Headquarters Company in the Rhineland Campaign. He also served in Italy and France. After his discharge in 1945, Newell attended Wittenberg University where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity. In June of 1948, he graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He served as business advertising manager of the Campus Collegian college publication. He also served as art editor and advertising manager of the Blockhouse yearbook. He was initiated into ARX, mens honorary fraternity, whose membership was limited to thirteen based on scholastic standing. ARX in now Blue Key, a National Honorary Society. He also was a member of Alpha Gamma Phi, National Honorary Journalism Fraternity and Fine Arts Society. At graduation in June, 1948, he received the University of Toledo Gold Medal Award for extra-curricular activities and service to the school. Following graduation he began his long career in the radio broadcasting industry. At Roberts Radio Productions, he was promoted to Sales Manager within one year. He also was employed at WTOD and WSPD, Storer Broadcasting Company as account executive and sales manager for over 12 years. For the remainder of his broadcasting career he was in sales at WMHE-FM and retired in 1992. He then became Vice-President of Irenes Cuisine, a catering and gourmet food manufacturing business owned by his wife, Irene. Kaufman Foods manufactured twelve gourmet food items including salsas, soups, nuts, salads, hummus, tomato pudding with distribution in Ohio, Michigan and the Chicago area. A man of many interests, Newell was a member of the Sanford Collins Lodge, F AM, having served as Chaplain; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and Zenobia Shrine. For over 55 years he was a member of the Toledo Club and was Chairman of the Lecture Travel Film series for 25 years. He also was a member of the Membership Committee. He was a former assistance Scoutmaster of the Boy Scouts Troup 27 Ottawa Hills, Ottawa Hills Baseball Commissioner, board member of the Toledo Opera Association, Presidents Council member of the Toledo Museum of Art, and Sertoma Service Organization. Newell will be remembered for his ready smile, cheerful disposition, outstanding deep voice and his dapper dressing. He had the ability to make people feel happy through his kindness and thoughtful demeanor. Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Irene; son, Cary of Houston, TX; daughter, Melissa John Deku of Toledo, OH; grandchildren, Alexandra, Theo and Amanda. Visitation will be at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., west of Corey Rd on Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 11 am at Hope Lutheran Church, 2201 Secor Rd., Ottawa Hills. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, The Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43604, or Odyssey Hospice, 1745 Indianwood Circle, Suite 200, Maumee, OH 43537. Special thanks to Odyssey Hospice for their loving care and excellent support during his final days. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com