Richard (Dick) Dean Kaufman, a resident of Foley, AL born August 7, 1938, in Nevada, IA, was sent to his eternal home on December 22, 2025.

Dick was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends. We ask that you remember him for the way he lived, and the joy and laughter he brought to so many.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Andrew Kaufman, brother Donald Kaufman, and sisters Dolores Kaufman and Mary Jean (Kaufman) Henn. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Phyllis (Fitzgerald) Kaufman. He is also survived by son Adrian and wife Jodi (Moserowitz) Kaufman, daughter Theresa (Kaufman) and husband Nelson McGeary, son Neal and wife Teresa (Bruffey) Kaufman, and six grandchildren, Matt and Brian Kaufman, Helen and Evelyn McGeary, and Cory and Kevin Klaus. In addition, he is survived by siblings Juerene (Kaufman) Kenworthy, Karen (Kaufman) and husband Dan Morris, and Charlene (Kaufman) and husband Brian Maes, and Bob and wife Jackie Kaufman; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Janice (Fitzgerald) and Bob Boyd, Donna (Fitzgerald) and Tom Whitney, Mike and Susan Fitzgerald, Paul Fitzgerald, and 32 nephews and nieces.

Dick grew up on the family farm near Nevada, IA working hard alongside his father and learning to tinker on farm equipment and solve problems. After graduating high school, Dick attended Loras College and Drake University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business. He later earned an MBA from Lindenwood College. Dick spent his career in the manufacturing engineering field, setting up factories and integrating automations innovations. His experiences on the farm combined with his degrees made him a successful project manager, and work opportunities led him to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Indiana, and Missouri exposing his family to travel and cultural experiences.

His greatest happiness was his family, and the fun in Dick’s life was spending time together with them—from dancing the merengue with a smile on his face to helping Neal build a motorbike from a boxful of parts and Adrian with his soapbox derby car. After retiring, he and Phyllis spent many happy years taking road trips in their camper van to visit family near and far and explore places out west. Known for his quick wit and kind heart, he loved sitting down with friends to play bridge and had a warm “hello” for everyone he passed on his daily walks. Devoted to the Catholic Church, he was a member of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Parish.

A funeral mass to honor Dick’s life is planned for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Parish, to be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall, 601 W. Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535.

With his family at his side, Dick passed peacefully at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope surrounded by love. The family wishes to thank the compassionate care team at the hospital. Although Dick is no longer physically with us, his spirit continues to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing as we carry forth his legacy.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dick’s honor to the Archdiocese of Mobile Catholic Charities Appeal or another charity of one's choosing.  

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