[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 NOTING THE PASSING OF BERNARD `BEN' KAUFMAN AN OUTSTANDING BUSINESSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I announce the 
passing of Bernard ``Ben'' Kaufman, an outstanding member of the 
Cleveland business community. Mr. Kaufman passed away on February 4, 
1998. He was a good friend and an outstanding gentleman whom I 
respected and admired. In his honor, I want to share with my colleagues 
and others throughout the nation some important information concerning 
the late Mr. Kaufman.
  Ben Kaufman was one of the finest printers throughout the Greater 
Cleveland area. It was a trade that he learned at an early age and 
devoted his life to perfecting. He was born and reared in Cleveland. 
Upon his graduation with honors from South High School, and armed with 
his printer's union card, he began working in various print shops. His 
employers included the Plain Dealer, the Cleveland News, and the 
Cleveland Shopping News.
  In 1951, Ben Kaufman became a partner in Brothers Printing. Eight 
years later, he became the sole owner of the business. Those of us who 
came to know Ben Kaufman learned that although he owned the print shop, 
he was one of its best workers. He often worked long hours, arriving 
before sunrise each morning and working late in the evening.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Kaufman took pride in the fact that he 
retained his union membership. Individuals who ran for public office, 
regardless of party affiliation, utilized his print shop. In fact, I 
recall that it was not unusual to encounter your political opponent 
while visiting Brothers Printing. My brother, the late Ambassador Carl 
B. Stokes, and I could always depend upon Ben Kaufman for printing 
advice and political advice as well.
  Mr. Speaker, Ben Kaufman was also an individual who cared about the 
community. He was affectionately known as the ``Mayor of Euclid 
Avenue'' for his commitment to maintaining the neighborhood. Other 
merchants and residents of Euclid Avenue looked forward to the American 
flags which would line the streets on various holidays. We also recall 
that he would plant trees along Euclid Avenue in order to beautify the 
neighborhood.
  Ben Kaufman was proud of the fact that his sons, Jay and David, 
followed in his footsteps and continue to operate Brothers Printing. I 
have enjoyed a close friendship with the Kaufman family and I extend my 
deepest sympathy to Jay and David upon the loss of a devoted father. I 
also want to express my sympathy to Ben's wife of 48 years, Dotty; his 
daughters, Rosean and Laura; his grandchildren and other members of the 
family. Ben Kaufman will be remembered as an outstanding businessman, a 
loving husband and father, and a very special friend to all who knew 
him. He will never be forgotten.

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