Burton Koffman

We mourn the loss of a wonderful man, who in the words of Rudyard Kipling, could “walk with kings nor lose the common touch”.

Burton "Bud" Koffman, from Binghamton, N.Y. passed away surrounded by his family on September 20th, days after celebrating his 92nd birthday. It was a day we thought would never come as he had an indefatigable appetite for life.  Always a competitor and athlete, he stayed in the ring throwing leather till he could throw no more. Bud is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years Ruthanne, and four loving children David (Donna), Betsy (Lorraine), Steven (Linda), and Jeffrey (Toni-Anne) as well as nine adoring grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Richard (Sara) and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Billie and Harry Koffman, sister, Charlotte Gordon, brother in law Ned Gordon, nephew Robert Gordon,and Uncle Milty Koffman predeceased him as did his in- laws Alec and Eva Rosefsky and brothers-in-law Robert and Daniel Rosefsky. Bud was born in 1925 and spent most of his life in Binghamton.  He went to prep school for 2 years at Mercersburg Academy and graduated in 1943. It was here where he developed his love of poetry. He attended college at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business where he completed one semester before going into the service.  He spent 4 months at Fort McCullen and was sent overseas.  As a Private First Class in the 101st Airborne during WWII, Bud traveled to North Africa, Italy, France and Germany.  He worked with army intelligence reading and sorting maps.  After returning to the Wharton School, where he graduated with a B.S. in Economics, he played football under George Munger.  He was in an elite group of “Munger Men” who played and lettered throughout George Munger’s years (1938-1953) as the University’s head coach. After returning to Binghamton, he began his career working with his father in the family’s Public Loan Company.  Later, he started his own business, the Beacon Loan Company, which served Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Years later Bud merged the Beacon Loan Company with his family’s business. Bud will be remembered as a “great athlete.”  In addition to football, Bud excelled at all racquet sports and was inducted into the JCC Hall of Fame.  He won numerous paddleball tournaments at the YMCA and JCC and was known for his fierce competitive nature.  He was a tenacious boxer in high school. He played tennis every weekend for over 30 years with his friend Brian.  He loved horses and for years would ride with his friends on many weekends.  At his beloved Oquaga Lake, Bud would dock start on one ski until he was 55 and later enjoyed watching all his children and grandchildren learning to ski.  Throughout his life he loved playing golf with family and so many of his friends. Anyone who competed with Bud knew he was a great sportsman and a born natural athlete. Bud loved magic.  He never missed an opportunity to engage old and young with his “sleight of hand” that enabled salt shakers to disappear and coins to reappear at will. As a CEO, business owner and investor, Bud was involved in numerous public and private companies. He was a consummate dealmaker. He always was creating new ways to finance and structure a deal, which often began on the back of a napkin. He often said, “You’re only limited by your own creativity.” One of his favorite places was sitting behind his office desk where he could overlook the colorful atrium and koi pond while surrounded by his favorite poems, paintings, and pictures of family.  Bud always recited poems even in his last few days. Always believing in people and wanting to give others a chance at success, Bud helped almost everyone who came to him start and grow their business. Over the years, Bud has given of himself to many groups, organizations and individuals.  Bud led by example. He was always the first to contribute to many causes or projects especially in Binghamton, the community he loved.  Some of these included his being a founding member of Temple Concord and to the Jewish Community Center. He was a large contributor to Temple Israel, the YMCA and many others. He has served as an officer on many boards. Some of these include:  the United Way, Lourdes Hospital, the YMCA, PAL, and Bankers Trust.  He was honored as the NAACP’s “Man of the Year”.  He was a member of the Harpur Forum and on the Binghamton University Advisory Board to the School of Management, where he lectured on entrepreneurial matters.  In October of 2003, Bud received the Distinguished Service Award from the B.U. Alumni Association. Bud’s legacy is also reflected in the endowed chair at the Binghamton University School of Management in memory of Bud’s parents, a gift to the Binghamton University Events Center, and a major gift for the recently opened Koffman Southern Tier Incubator.  As philanthropy was a foundation of Bud’s life, he supported a myriad of other local, Israeli, and worldwide causes. Bud was a man for all seasons.  He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched with his friendship, humor, kindness and generosity. The family appreciates all the support from his dedicated and caring team of doctors led by Dr. Lodi and Dr. Elnour, his wonderful nurses and aides at the Wilson ICU, neuro suites, 5th floor and BGH transitional care unit. There will be a Celebration of Life service at Temple Israel, 4737 Deerfield Place, Vestal, NY on Sunday September 24th at 11:00 a.m. There will be a private family burial. The family will observe Shiva on Sunday evening September 24th at Temple Israel from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Monday evening September 25th, at the Koffman residence from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Bud’s memory to the Broome County Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center of Broome County or a charity of your choice. Please visit ParsonsFuneral.Com to offer your condolences.

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