Obituary: Albert “Opa” Anton Kaufmann

Albert “Opa” Anton Kaufmann, 86, passed away on December 21, 2020. Albert grew up in Kirchenthumbach, Germany during WWII before coming “off the boat” to the U.S. where he taught himself the language as a teen and married the love of his life, Liane. Opa was a butcher by trade and ran a meat market in Cleveland in the late 1950’s-1960’s before learning the electrical contracting trade and starting his own business, Triple E Electric, which remains family-owned and operated today by his sons. Opa truly lived and loved life! A loving husband, proud father, ornery Opa (grandpa) and devoted friend to many – that was Albert. He was one-of-a-kind, a character – for sure. Albert was as stubborn as a German comes with a personality and stories that made everyone love him. Family always came first. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of working hard and never giving up. He was generous beyond belief. A squeeze hugger. He was firm when needed and always had an answer to any problem. Albert’s life and legacy was far reaching. He loved the game of soccer. The field was his home for more than 40 years as Albert dedicated much of his life to coaching or managing a team. His contributions were wide ranging and included the adult amateur, youth and professional branches of the game. Albert managed the Cleveland Kickers from the late 60s through the 90s, producing one outstanding team after another. In 1997, alongside his lifelong best friend, Mike Sweeney, the dynamic duo revived professional soccer in Cleveland when the Whitecaps were founded. In 2008, Albert was inducted into the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame with his family by his side, celebrating his many accomplishments with him. Learning the computer and taking short “droozles” (naps) on the couch were some of Albert’s favorite things to do. He also loved food, sausage in particular – making it, eating it and eating it some more. He was spoiled by his wife, who cooked for him every day and would bring him meals in bed! The two also enjoyed dancing in the street together at local festivals. Albert gave sympathy cards at weddings and enjoyed messing with solicitors when they called the house. He was the epitome of fun! Albert was preceded in death by his mother, Maria, his father, Anton, his sister, Frieda and grandson, Tyler Canter. Albert is survived by his loving wife, Liane; children, Ed (Cindy) Kaufmann, Connie (Chris) Canter and Bandy (Margaret) Kaufmann; grandchildren, Tina (Scott) Heiberg, Nick, Krista, Lita and Samantha; great-grandchildren Gavin, Noah, Grady and Kylie; and his sister in Germany, Maria. Friends may call at the FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 W. AURORA RD SAGAMORE HILLS where Private Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 1:00 P.M. VISITATION SATURDAY 11:00 A.M. UNTIL TIMES OF SERVICES. OUT OF RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER MASKS WILL BE WORN AND SOCIAL DISTANCING OBSERVED. Interment All Saints Cemetery.