Dennis M. Kaufman
Dennis M. M. Kaufman, age 78, passed Thursday, September 22, 2022.
After graduation, Dennis went to work for the Harvard University Planning office before returning to Thayer School for graduate study. Following that, he worked for the U.S. Navy in Washington, DC.
In 1971, Dennis and Sue moved to Norwich, VT, where he began designing houses and manufacturing structural components. Later, he was elected to the office of Lister (property tax assessor) in Norwich, and has served on various Norwich Town Committees. Dennis also served as the Treasurer of the Dartmouth Club of the Upper Valley.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Sue, their daughter Stephanie and their son George.
A memorial service celebrating his life was held in Hanover on September 25, 2022.
Dennis Milan Margulis Kaufman, much loved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on September 22, 2022, at the age of 78.
Dennis was born on January 6, 1944 in Cleveland, OH, son of George Margulis and Frances (Furman) Margulis. His father died when Dennis was young, and his mother married David Kaufman, who adopted Dennis and his sister, Wendy. His mother was a portrait artist, and Dennis inherited her talent and love of art.
Following his graduation from Shaker Heights High School, he earned a degree in Engineering from Dartmouth College in 1966. Dennis worked for the Harvard University Planning Office, and then continued his education at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering. While studying at Thayer, he lived in rural Lyme, NH, with three roommates, a turkey, and a horse.
In 1969, Dennis married Sue (Sobel). They lived in Washington, D.C., while he worked for the U.S. Navy Department. The couple moved to Norwich, VT in 1971, where they would raise their two children, and Dennis started the Sawdust Makers, Inc., a home and commercial design and building company. After retiring from construction, Dennis was appointed, then elected, Lister (property tax assessor) for the town of Norwich. He also served as Treasurer of the Dartmouth Club of the Upper Valley. His time in both positions allowed him to regularly meet members of the community, many of whom became friends. Dennis liked nothing more than talking to people, learning about them, and exchanging views on a broad spectrum of topics.
Dennis was a sculptor, inventor, builder and cook. He carved in stone and wood and assembled larger pieces from found materials. He built the home he raised his family in twice, once engineering an indoor swimming pool to provide heat for the whole house. He was an excellent cook; recipes were only a starting point for his dishes. And, as avid patrons of the visual and performing arts, Dennis and Sue were often found at dance concerts or spending time appreciating what museums and galleries, nearby and afar, had to offer.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Sue; his daughter, Stephanie (Kaufman) Doben and her husband, Andrew Doben; his son, George Brandon Kaufman and his wife, Caroline (Wilson) Kaufman; as well as his grandchildren Lucas and Jasper Doben, and Julian, Josephine, and Holland Kaufman — all of whom called him "Percy".
A memorial service was held in honor of Dennis in Hanover, NH, on September 25, 2022.
Contributions in Dennis' memory may be made to the George Margulis 1935 Memorial Scholarship Fund. Gifts can be sent to: Dartmouth College, Gift Recording Office, 6066 Development Office, Hanover, NH 03755. For credit card gifts, please call 603-646-0098. Published by Valley News on Nov. 3, 2022.
Published by the Valley News on Nov. 3, 2022.