Robert T. Kauffman

Robert T. “Bob” Kauffman, 80, formerly of East Petersburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 11, 2026, at The Glen at Willow Valley. He was the devoted husband of the late Benita “Bea” K. (Hoffman) Kauffman, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage until her passing in 2016.

Born in Lancaster to the late Roy J. and Eleanor (Lynn) Kauffman, Bob graduated from Solanco High School before serving in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Vietnam era. He went on to enjoy a long career as a supervisor with Case New Holland in New Holland and Mountville. A man of deep faith and quiet service, he worshipped at Hempfield United Methodist Church, where he served as a Stephen Minister, and he was the longtime chaplain of the East Petersburg Fire Company. Each year he led prayer at the Lancaster 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

Bob’s passions reflected a life fully lived. He enjoyed stock cars with his brothers and spent his younger years drag racing in Lancaster, York, and Cecil Counties. A lifelong car enthusiast, he could recall every vehicle he had ever owned, especially his beloved Corvettes. At home he maintained a well-equipped woodshop, cultivated a thriving vegetable garden, and created a welcoming gathering place for family around the backyard pool. On weekends he lent his warm hospitality as host at the Iron Horse Inn in Strasburg, supporting his daughter and son-in-law.

Bob is survived by his four children, Denise L. Waller (Rick) of Strasburg, James N. Leaman (Donna) of Manheim, Michael K. Leaman (Tammy) of Manheim, and Richard D. Kauffman (Michelle) of Lancaster; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Eshleman (Gregory), Ryan Leaman, Jennifer Leaman, Matthew Leaman (Shannon), Joshua Kauffman (Kate), Austin Leaman, and Skylar Kauffman; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Jean Geesey, Janet Speros (Spencer), Judy Henry (Norman), and Polly Kauffman, his sister-in-law Sara Kauffman, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife Bea, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter Katherine “Katie” Waller and his siblings Roy James Kauffman, Joan Groff, and Ronald Kauffman.