Jack Kaufman; Retired Barber
Jack Kaufman, a retired North Hollywood barber who gave free haircuts to hospitalized senior citizens and children, has died in Los Angeles. He was 77.
Kaufman opened the first of his three North Hollywood barber shops in the early 1950s, retiring from his last shop, The Stardust, in 1980.
A resident of Panorama City, Kaufman died July 1 while undergoing open heart surgery, said his daughter, Mady Givant of North Hollywood.
Born Feb. 10, 1913, in Poland, Kaufman began cutting hair as an apprentice at the age of 12. Five years later, he came to New York City, where he opened a barber shop. He moved to California in 1949 and ran a shop in Montrose for two years before relocating to North Hollywood.
At least once a month, Kaufman would visit hospitals in downtown Los Angeles, where he volunteered his time giving haircuts to senior citizens and children. At his barber shops, he was noted for gathering food and clothing from friends and relatives for his poorer customers, his daughter said.
He is survived by his sons, Errol Kaufman of Sylmar, Sid Kaufman of Northridge and Howard Kaufman of Canoga Park; his daughter; a sister, Josephine Menchin of Long Island, N. Y., and four grandchildren.
A graveside service was held Thursday. Arrangements were made by Mt. Sinai Memorial Park and Mortuary, Los Angeles.
Donations can be in Kaufman’s name to the American Heart Assn., Northwestern Division.
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