Obituaries
Barry L. Kauffman, 84
May 13, 2025
Educator, Writer, Mentor, and Faithful Servant
Barry L. Kauffman, 84, of Millersville, went home to be with the Lord on May 13, 2025. On June 2, 1962, he married the love of his life, Dianne L. Kauffman. Together they shared a lifetime of devotion and reared three sons, Craig (Kisha) of Landisville, Ken (Sandy) of Lititz, and Tim (Wendy) of Leola. Barry was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren (Zachary, Joshua, Taylor, Noah, Chloe, Lexie and Brodie) and two great-grandchildren (Malachi and Luke). Barry was survived by his sister Kendra Grimm (Rick) of Lancaster and predeceased by his brother Terry (Jeanne) of Lititz.
Barry was born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Horace and Aletha Kauffman. A graduate of Warwick High School, Barry continued his academic journey at Susquehanna University where he earned his B.A. in mathematics and teaching. He later earned a master’s degree from Bucknell University and pursued additional graduate studies at Florida State University, Pennsylvania State University, and Millersville University.
Barry dedicated 39 years of his professional life to Penn Manor School District, where he served as a mathematics teacher, administrator, coach, and advisor. He also taught at Millersville University for 22 years as an adjunct professor. His impact extended beyond the classroom where he served as a coach for basketball, track, cheerleading and the National Honor Society. Barry served as the statistician for the PIAA State Basketball Tournament for 25 years, and his love for sports and storytelling led him to write for the Lancaster Sunday News for over two decades.
A visionary in his field, Barry was integral in developing advanced teaching concepts which became models for other educators and afforded him the opportunity to consult with textbook companies and speak nationally on education. His deep commitment, expertise and influence in education were recognized in 1980 when he was named Educator of the Year by the Penn Manor Board of Education. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan honored him with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics.
While his professional accomplishments were many, Barry’s life was most deeply defined by his faith and service. A founding member of Lancaster Faith Bible Fellowship Church, he served faithfully for many years on the Board of Elders and in a wide range of ministries at the church. He founded and led the AWANA Club for 37 years, served at Pinebrook Bible Conference for 40 years, and led a family-based children’s ministry for 25 years, reaching communities in the mid-Atlantic states.
Barry served on the boards of Pinebrook Junior College, Lancaster CBMC, Lancaster County CEF, and Bible Visuals. Barry was also devoted to his community, and he served for many years as Judge of Elections for the Manor New East voting precinct.
Barry found joy in his family, music, technology, blogging, puzzles, reading, and cheering for Penn State football. He particularly enjoyed hymns and spent many of his retirement years developing a blog that garnered an international following. Regardless of his pursuit, his life was marked by humility, generosity, and a profound commitment to serving others.
Barry L. Kauffman leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, kindness, and unwavering faith. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Lancaster Faith Bible Fellowship Church. The family invites guests to visit beginning at 2 PM with the service to follow at 4 PM.
In lieu of flowers and to honor his lifelong passion for ministry and service, memorial contributions may be made to the AWANA fund c/o Faith Bible Fellowship Church, 151 Donerville Rd, Lancaster PA 17603.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
May 21, 2025
Back in the 80s Mr. Kauffman taught PreCalculus at Millersville University for evening students. I was a non-traditional student who got 2 questions right on his 10 question pre-test. He was willing to keep me in the class, willing to explain why we were doing things. He was very patient, helpful, and the best math teacher I ever had.
Jean Hess
May 20, 2025
We were sorry to see that Mr. Kauffman passed away. We both had him at Penn Manor for Algebra and Geometry more than 50 years ago!! He was a great teacher and person. We enjoyed watching the Tribute
video.
Karen and Rick Fralich
May 19, 2025
To Dianne, May The Father Comfort you and may your family surround you. What a beautiful tribute..Bertie and Gene Brown
May 18, 2025
Barry was a fixture in my life as a guiding influence to the youth at Faith Bible Fellowship Church and a guardian angel in my time of need.
My dad told me years ago that Barry had seen me when I was a teenager running an errand in Lancaster city. Someone was watching me and Barry was convinced they meant to do me harm. Barry got his attention and made it known he had seen this person – who then realized there were witnesses and turned and left. I have never forgotten that and shudder to think what would’ve happened that day if Barry had not intervened.
Barry was a gentle man who I’m sure performed these acts of kindness that no one ever knew. He truly was a man of God and I will miss him dearly. Wishing the Kauffman family peace in the days ahead.
Connie Harstad O’Hop
May 18, 2025
To The Kauffman Family,
My condolences on the passing of Mr. Kauffman. He was an inspiration and tremendous leader. He always led with kindness and integrity, and he was always one who I could go to for advice. We all know he is looking down on us now, as his faith was strong and solid. Thank you for sharing him with us at Penn Manor, countless individuals are better for knowing and working with him.
Sincerely, Gary Luft
May 17, 2025
To Sandy and Ken,
My sympathies to you and your family. Your Dad was the best teacher I ever had. May his soul rest in peace.
Jackie (Newcomer) Owsinski
May 16, 2025
In the early afternoon of November 22, 1963, I was sitting in Mr. Kauffman’s Algebra II class when of a sudden the public addesss system came on with a radio broadcast announcing that our President, John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. I was then a Junior at Penn Manor High School. Mr. Kauffman was just as stunned as every student in the class. He helped us to keep our cool which must have been just as difficult for him as it was for every student in that class. I wasn’t a very good student, I wasn’t disruptive but I was an angry student because I wasn’t being taught what I wanted to know. At the time, I figured learning should have been a two way effort but at that time it was not. Mr. Kauffman and Mrs. Maggio were the two teachers that treated me with respect in spite of my own, at the time, situation with learning. I did go on to get my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and I can attribute some of that to Mr. Kauffman and Mrs. Maggio. Fly with the angels Mr. Kauffman!
William Bloom, Class of 1965
May 15, 2025
To Dianne and your family: May God hold you in His arms and give you peace. High school friend and classmate, Dave Ebersole
May 15, 2025
You have my deepest sympathy. Mr. Kauffman was a wonderful teacher. I’ll never forget him, especially since I was a student in his Honors Math Analysis class when we watched 9/11 unfold. His unwavering faith was a pillar of strength during uncertain times.
Lori (Hess) Lefever
May 15, 2025
Mr. Kauffman was my math teacher many many years ago. He was not only an excellent teacher, but a very KIND man.
Laura Goldy
May 15, 2025
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul and Pam Mattaini
May 15, 2025
I was so sorry to hear about Barry’s passing away. Sending love and prayers your way from the Netherlands.
Andrew Smock
May 15, 2025
My condolences to Kisha and Craig and family. Absent from the body present with the Lord.🌸
Cindy and Tony Mercer
May 14, 2025
What a beautiful Christian legacy which allows us the privilege of extending our condolences while celebrating his impact on so many people in life. Love you guys, Ron & Hollee
May 14, 2025
To the Kauffman family- my condolences on the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. May many fond memories remain with you. You know he is in the loving arms of God. Barry had a strong Faith. May God grant you peace, comfort and strength during this time. Nancy Marshall
- Visitation
- Sunday, May 18, 2025
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Faith Bible Fellowship Church
- 151 Donerville Road
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Sunday, May 18, 2025
- 4:00 PM
- Faith Bible Fellowship Church
- 151 Donerville Road
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
