John Bligh
- Teacher
- PS 31, Staten Island
One friend summed up Sharon Kaufman this way: “She was a beautiful person, a great friend and a wonderful teacher.” Another said she “always put the children and their families first.” Sharon, 63, a special education teacher at PS 31 in the St. George section of Staten Island, died of coronavirus on April 6, leaving her mark on students and adults alike.
A UFT member for more than 15 years, Sharon was active in the PTA and volunteered at events such as Thanksgiving giveaways. She had a knack for public speaking but was also praised as a great listener. She was involved in Girl Scouting, enjoyed Zumba and going to the gym, and loved spending time at the pool and beach with family and friends.
“She was loving and kind to everyone and she had a special wit,” said Catherina Palumbo, her friend and former colleague. “She made you laugh.”
Sharon is survived by her husband, Lenny Kaufman; her daughter, Lauren Kaufman; her brother, Ira Rosdeitcher, and his wife, Roberta; and two nieces, Alana and Ivie Rosdeitcher.
Wow this is so sad I randomly went to search Sharon name because I thought about her. She was my first grade teacher ( i am now 23 years old). She was so nice. I have memories of her buying over 100 toy race car for the class and other toys for us to play at play time .
Sharon was a wonderful person and teacher. I had the honor of working with her at PS32 last year. She always had a smile on her face and loved the students she taught . She will we missed . May she rest in eternal peace. My deepest condolences to her family and close friends .
My deepest and sincerest condolences to your family . I am an educator and my heart aches for you and your family .
So sad to hear of Sharon’s passing! Her kind heart made her a great asset to the “Little Sis” club at PS 14. My heartfelt sympathy to her family.
Sharon was a close family friend and one of my mom’s best friends. I did not know Sharon as a teacher, but as friend, we went into teaching around the same time and both as second careers and would sometimes trade storied from the front. She was an amazing person who will be missed by anyone she ever met.
Rest In Peace Sharon & sending my deepest condolences to her family!
I was very sad to hear about Sharon’s passing. She was full of life, had a great sense of humor and was always devoted to children and her family. Condolences to her family from PS 14.
Sharon and I were acquaintances from LA Fitness. Our bond was working for the DOE and our passion for Zumba. I am truly sadden by her passing. She always had the same spot for Zumba and in my heart that will forever be Sharon’s spot. I will miss our talks and workouts. May she rest in peace and may her family find solace with their beautiful memories of her.
Sharon will be missed by many. She was fun. She was funny. She was a caring friend and teacher. Forever in our hearts! RIP, Sharon.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am a retired teacher.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May God give all of you strength in these difficult moments.
Ms Kaufman was my oldest son’s 5th grade teacher back at PS14 in staten island, before it became PS78. We are devastated to hear she is gone so early from the world. She was a wonderful and beautiful teacher!
She was wonderful! She was my oldest son’s 5th grade teacher, at ps14 in staten island before ps78 came in. A beautiful heart with so much love! We are devastated
What an amazing person she was! Always fun to be around you will be forever missed Sharon.
Sorry for the loss of Sharon
So sorry love you Sharon miss you and Rest In Peace always Patricia Frostbaum
The PS 14 family is in shock by Sharon’s passing. We are all saddened and will forever remember our friend! Forever in our hearts! ❤️❤️❤️
i.m sorry