Herb Kaufman
In his 43 years as a firefighter, Herb Kaufman understood the importance of the firefighters' code: "Life First, Property Second."
"Herb was a dedicated firefighter who, as a state-certified fire school instructor, helped to implement the latest safety procedures to protect the health and save the lives of his fellow firefighters," said his wife, Rosella "Rosie" Kaufman.
V. Herbert "Herb" Kaufman of Adams in Butler County, chief technical officer for SAE International in Warrendale, died of cancer Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, in UPMC Passavant in McCandless. He was 58.
Mr. Kaufman was a former chief and president of the Valencia Volunteer Fire Department, and served as liaison for the merger of the Mars and Valencia departments to form Adams Area Fire District.
He grew up in Valencia, one of two sons in the family of heating contractor Victor H. Kaufman and his wife, Bette Jean Heckel Kaufman.
"Herb was only 15 years old when he joined his father and his uncle as a member of the Valencia Volunteer Fire Department," said his wife.
Mr. Kaufman was a 1968 graduate of Mars High School, where he played basketball. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from Tri-State University, now Trine University, in Angola, Ind., in 1972.
He began his career with SAE in 1976, and in recent years represented the company in Europe, Asia and South America.
Rosella Gnagnarelli Kaufman, whom he married in 1980, said her husband had a passion for community service and service to his country.
"Herb was an Adams Township supervisor and a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee and Zoning Hearing Board, and served in the Army Reserve for six years," she said.
He taught firefighting techniques at Butler County Community College, she said. And he persuaded her to get involved in community service.
"Herb would often say, 'If you live in a community, you should give back to the community.' I became active with the Girl Scouts and trained to become an emergency medical technician attached to the Valencia Volunteer Fire Department."
In addition to his wife, Mr. Kaufman is survived by his daughter, Jessica McDonough of Monroe, Ohio; and a brother, Barry Kaufman of Valencia.
Article originally published in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Professional Career
Herb joined SAE in 1976, and in his 32 years with the organization, he provided his dedicated service and expertise to numerous divisions. Mr. Kaufman’s tenure included work in the Engineering Group, Engineering Meetings Division, Technical Standards & Research Division, and most recently as the commercial vehicle business director, managing director of the SAE Institute, and chief technical officer.
“SAE International and its family of employees and members have lost a friend,” said David L. Schutt, PhD, chief executive officer at SAE. “Herb Kaufman was the consummate professional, but his reach went far beyond that. At work he was a mentor and role model to many. At home, he was a devoted father, husband and community member.
“His legacy at SAE International is long and significant. His work with standards development set a benchmark for excellence that will help ensure quality work for many years to come. He had a passion for his job, and that passion showed in everything he did; the noble profession of engineering is better because of him. Herb will be missed by all who knew and worked with him, especially his friends here at SAE International.”