Roger S. Kaufman ’56

Roger came to Princeton via Brooklyn and the Peddie School. He marched in the band for three years, ate and played squash at Terrace, and majored in chemistry, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He earned a medical degree from Columbia in 1960. As an otolaryngologist, Roger spent most of his career in private practice in Syracuse while serving as a professor at SUNY Upstate Medical Center.

He had a lifelong passion for opera, ignited by Saturday afternoon radio broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera. He served as president of the Opera Society of Syracuse, as well as on the board of directors of the Sarasota Opera. For our 50th reunion, he praised Professor Edward Cone *39 *42 of the music department, saying Opera 101 was “the most fantastic class I have ever taken.” An avid runner, Roger listened to much good music while participating in 11 marathons. During his retirement in Bradenton, Fla., he also found time for travel with his wife, Kristin, as well as “golf, adult education courses, wonderful beaches and great weather.”

Roger died Dec. 17, 2024. He is survived by his wife; his three children Cynthia (Elizabeth Bendik), Holly Beth Kaufman Welsh (David), and Jason Kaufman *99; and four grandchildren.