from the Standardbred Owners Association of New York

Yonkers, NY — Marvin Kaufman, 81, died Jan. 17, 2015.

He was born in The Bronx, N.Y. The lovable curmudgeon was a Yonkers Raceway fixture for decades, a diehard New York Yankees fan and Civil War aficionado. He was a lifelong native of the Bronx though the ritzy residence of Riverdale, N.Y., disguised where his heart always resided.

Mr. Kaufman served in the United States military and served two years in Korea.

He loved and owned Standardbreds and enjoyed going to the races, especially Yonkers Raceway, watching his son who campaigns a stable at the Hilltop Oval. Marvin and Sandra travelled with their horses on the New York Sire Stakes Circuit and to other states where they competed. No trip was too long for this veteran and his family.

Mr. Kaufmann, before and after his retirement, enjoyed American History, especially the Civil War era, and spent his vacations traveling to almost every one of battleground sites of the war. He adored General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery during the Civil War. Chamberlain later became the Governor of Maine. Mr. Kaufman would get angry when he visited General Chamberlain’s home in Maine and people would not know who Chamberlain was and how he served his country.

He also loved his Bronx based Yankees and especially his favorite — Mickey Mantle. Many times he would insist on visiting and revisiting Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. and the Mickey Mantle Museum, family in tow.

Mr. Kaufman was always interested in the affairs of the SOA of NY and the only annual meeting he missed was the last one in December. He also volunteered at the Yonkers Fairs and the Westchester Food Bank, distributing USTA information pieces for prospective owners and handing out handicapping aides on site.

Mr. Kaufman has already been, and will continue to be, greatly missed by his family, all his friends, the SOA Board members and those fans at the track who have noticed his absence already and shared their condolences.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra, his constant companion of 50-plus years. She serves on the Board of Directors of the SOA. He also left three children, daughters, Melissa and Michele, and son, Ian, who is a trainer/driver.

Mr. Kaufman served his country, was a devoted family man, civil war buff and a crazy, crazy New York Yankees fanatic. Most of all he loved harness racing. He was a true friend to all with the exception of New York Mets fans and anyone unfamiliar with General Chamberlain.

Rest in peace our dear friend.