Terry Lee Kauffman, Air Force retiree
Terry Lee Kauffman, 64, of Dover, passed over into heaven Monday evening, April 22, 2024, at Kent General Hospital.
He was born April 4, 1960, in Pottstown, Pa., to Martha Ann (Rohrbach) Kauffman and Martin Lamar Kauffman. He was a 1979 graduate of Boyertown Area High School, where he was very active in track and field sports.
He served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring April 10, 1998, after 18 years of accumulated service. Between 1985-89, Terry was on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians in the classification of ambulance. In 1988, he became a licensed member of the Triathlon Federation USA and medaled in competitions. While stationed in Korea, he trained locally in Do Hap Sool, a Korean martial arts discipline. He was part of the 436th Airlift Wing, SPS at Dover AFB. He graduated from the Community College of the Air Force. His primary specialty was security police craftsman. His last duty assignment and major command was 18th SFS/PACAF.
Terry began his civilian career in the Public Safety Department of Bayhealth Medical Center in Milford March 24, 1998. He quickly trained to constable status, which he maintained for more than 20 years. In 2017, he was promoted to emergency management coordinator of Bayhealth based at the Kent Campus.
Terry was a member of Southside Baptist Church, where he created and led a paintball ministry. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a longtime member of the FOP. He ran Fright Night with his friend Matt Bohler for Kent County Parks and Recreation. He built props and scenery for musicals held at William Henry Middle School in Dover. He was a coach and support for his children involved in various sports. Terry loved to fish, clam, hunt, run, hike, camp, scuba dive, canoe, kayak, bike, skate, ski, garden, spend time with his wife and family, and take trips to historical places.
Terry’s life motto: “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” John Bunyan
Terry was preceded in death by his grandfather, Marshall P. Kauffman Sr. (1976); grandmother, Ruth (Herbst) Haas; grandfather, Daniel L. Rohrbach Jr.; grandmother, Thelma J. (Mack) Rohrbach (2014); father, Martin Lamar Kauffman (2021); brother, Brian L. Kauffman (2017); and brother, Dean M. Kauffman (2018).
He is survived by his devoted wife, Valerie Angela (Wolf) Kauffman of Dover; his mother, Martha Ann (Rohrbach) Kauffman of Boyertown, Pa.; his sister, Anita A. Kauffman; children, Ann M. Kauffman, Terry A. Kauffman, Brianna A.R. Connaghan, Gabriel A. Connaghan and Jillian K.L. Connaghan.
Viewing and funeral services were held Friday, May 10, at Southside Baptist Church, Camden. A military-honoring, graveside service and interment was held in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. A reception for food and fellowship was held at Southside Baptist Church.
In celebration of Terry’s life, the family welcomes flowers and cards.
