Frederick Kauffeld

Frederick "Rick" Kauffeld passed away on Thursday January 21, 2016 at the age of 68. He is predeceased by his parents Carl F. and Pauline Kauffeld. He is survived by his wife Dayle Burby Kauffeld of 38 years, their daughter Karlie, his daughter Kristen Derry and her husband Skip, his two grandchildren Adrienne and Lauryn Derry, and loving family. Rick was born in Staten Island, NY in 1947. He graduated Tottenville High School in 1964 and went into business laying carpet. He worked for Sugar's Furniture for which he carpeted the outside of a Volkswagen before going into business for himself at Colonial Carpet. In 1978 he opened Rick's Tavern in Newfane, VT which he ran until 2002. He opened Rick's II in Brattleboro in the early 80s. To say he was a major car enthusiast is an understatement, this passion led him to start the area's first Cruise Night for antique cars, with huge success. He logged many a mile in his 56 Chevy across the country and brought home many awards. He was an avid Earnhardt fan, but really loved any form of car-racing.After selling Rick's he went on to dabble in Snap-On Tools before climbing behind the wheel of a MOOver! buss. His seasoned people-skills lead him to making many friends while driving, especially during the winter months when students from South America boarded the bus. He took the opportunity to show off his very limited Spanish, and inquire about whether or not each country has music in their public schools-his findings were always reported back to Karlie.Most folks in the valley sat on Rick's lap at some point during the 25 years he played Santa in Newfane Village. Perhaps you played against the Rick's Tavern softball team in the Brattleboro Rec. League, or maybe you played on a team that Rick sponsored, or if you played on the Newfane field you used the backstop or concession stand he built while his daughters were on the teams.You mave have heard Rick announcing at the DVFDA Truck Pulls or subbing on WTSA as a radio DJ. A keen eye would have caught him cruising the streets of Brattleboro in his firetruck, or, relatedly, starring in a few Don't Drink and Drive commercials. Rick was a major contributor to the local community. A celebrity in the eyes of his loving family. Besides serving up his famous pizza and chili he was famous for serving up his jokes. He will be missed by many, but I think we can all agree he's now serving at the bar upstairs. Spring Service to be announced. In lieu of flowers please "Pay It Forward." Spring Service to be announced. In lieu of flowers please "Pay It Forward."