Ronald George Kauffman

Ronald George “Ronnie” Kauffman, 64, of Greensburg, died Friday, September 6, 2024 at Independence Westmoreland Hospital. He was born March 26, 1960, in Greensburg to Donald F. and Norma Jean (Lynch) Kauffman. He was born afflicted with Down’s Syndrome. Contrary to medical advice, the family decided to bring him home and raise him. 

He had normal development, including going to Highland Avenue Special Education School. Upon reaching age 21, he graduated from Highland and immediately took a job with the Westmoreland County Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) sheltered workshop. He worked there as a laborer for 37 years, until it closed. He was then employed by the Westmoreland County Association for the Blind. He loved to socialize, doing such things as dancing, playing miniature golf, bowling, and particularly his semi-annual trips to North Myrtle Beach. While there, he enjoyed eating out, miniature golf, going to cowboy shows, and using both the beach and the swimming pool. He also was able to go on many vacations with his family every year. His best trip was the ocean cruise to the Caribbean for his 50th birthday. He was the hit of the ship’s dining room. He was quite active in church from an early age. From Sunday School, to serving as an acolyte, and later serving as a door greeter and an usher. 

He is survived by his parents, his brother D. Richard (Sharon), of Houston, TX; brother James A.(Susanne) of Phoenix, MD,; nephew D. Richard, II, (Holly), of Apollo, PA; nephew Bennett Kauffman, of New York City; niece Michelle-Ashley Amatangelo, (David), of Charleston, SC; great nephews Gabriel and Maddux Amatangelo, of Charleston, SC., Dante Amatangelo of Raleigh, NC; Vincent Amatangelo of Charlotte, NC; great niece Heidi Plazio of Apollo; and many cousins, relatives and friends. 

Family and friends will be received at Kepple-Graft Funeral Home, on Monday, September 9th from 4 to 8 PM. A Funeral service will be held at St. Matthias Lutheran Church at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, September 10th with Pastor Paul M. Gruesu. Interment will follow at Twin Valley Memorial Park. Online condolences are welcome at www.kepplegraft.com.