Officials with the Standardbred Owners Association of New York have announced that Standardbred racing participant Marvin Kaufman has passed away.
Kaufman, who was born in The Bronx, NY, was a Yonkers Raceway fixture for decades, a diehard NY Yankees fan and Civil War aficionado. He was a lifelong native of the Bronx though the ritzy residence of Riverdale, NY, disguised where his heart always resided.
He served in the US military and served two years in Korea. He loved, and owned Standardbred harness horses and enjoyed going to the races, especially Yonkers Raceway, watching his son who campaigns a stable at the hilltop oval. Marvin and Sandra travelled with their horses on the New York Sire Stakes circuit and to other states where they competed. No trip was too long for this veteran and his family.
Marvin, before and after his retirement, enjoyed American history, especially the Civil War era, and spent his vacations travelling to almost every one of the battleground sites of the war. He adored general Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery during the Civil War. Chamberlain later became the Governor of Maine. Marvin would get angry when he visited General Chamberlain’s home in Maine and people would not know who Chamberlain was and how he served his country. Marvin also loved his Bronx-based Yankees and especially his favourite, Mickey Mantle. Many times Marv would insist on visiting and revisiting baseball's hall of fame in Cooperstown, NY and the Mickey Mantle Museum, family in tow.
Marvin was always interested in the affairs of the SOA of NY and the only annual meeting he missed was the last one in December. Marvin also volunteered at the Yonkers fairs, the Westchester Food Bank, distributing USTA information pieces for prospective owners and handing out handicapping aides on site. Marvin has already been, and will continue to be, greatly missed by his family, all his friends, the SOA Board members and those fans at the track that have noticed his absence already and shared their condolences.
Marv was 81 years old when he passed on January 17. He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra, his constant companion of 50-plus years. Sandra serves on the Board of Directors of the SOA. Marvin left three children – two daughters, Melissa and Michele; and son, Ian, who is a trainer/driver.
Marvin served his country, was a devoted family man, Civil War buff and a crazy, crazy NY Yankees fanatic. Most of all he loved harness racing. Marvin was a true friend to all with the exception of NY Mets fans and anyone unfamiliar with General Chamberlain.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Marvin Kaufman
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