Jay Evan Kaufman, Loving Father of 2, Dies at 48

Jay Evan Kaufman, 48, of Coventry, died unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 29 at Kent County Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was the devoted husband of Donna Kalin Kaufman for 15 years. Born in Providence, Jay was the son of Sandra D. Oster of Barrington and Denis Kaufman of FL and stepson of the late Richard M. Oster.

Jay was a resident of Coventry for 10 years, previously living in Barrington. He worked for many years for Cookson Electronics and most recently as an independent consultant. Jay was a graduate of Barrington High School, attended Clemson University where he was a member of the football team, and was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island. 

Besides his many business interests, Jay enjoyed golf as a member of Ledgemont Country Club, and was a licensed pilot. He loved planes and European cars, all forms of physical fitness and weightlifting.

Along with his wife Donna, Jay’s true enjoyment and passion were the loves of his life: his sons Joshua, 8, and Samuel, 18 months. He loved coaching Joshua’s soccer team and teaching his sons how to swim. Besides his wife and children, Jay is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Stephanie and Robert Wilmarth of Barrington, Allison and William Dessel of Barrington, Roberta and Noah Sachs of Richmond, VA, and Sasha Oster of Santa Rosa, CA, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.  

His funeral was held Monday at Shalom Memorial Chapel in Cranston, with Shiva observed the same day at 223 Rumstick Road in Barrington. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jay’s memory may be made to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, 593 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02903. 

Click here to view Jay's memorial page, courtesy of Shalom Memorial Chapel.