Donald Kaufman

Donald Lewis Kaufman (8 October 1930 – 12 October 2009) was an American toy collector amassing millions of dollars' worth of antique items in his country home in western Massachusetts.

Early life Kaufman was born on 8 October 1930, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Harry and Ruth Klein Kaufman. His father and uncle had previously started Kaufman Brothers, a wholesale candy store, in 1922. Kaufman was educated at the North Adams State College. He then did national service in the Army in the early 1950s. Afterwards he joined Kaufman Brothers.

KB Toys

Kaufman Brothers became a toy retailer in the 1970s, with the name Kay-Bee Toy & Hobby, later known as KB Toys. Kaufman served as vice president of the company and helped to expand the chain to shopping malls in nearly every U.S. state. Kaufman retired from his position as vice president in 1981. The total size of the collection was estimated at 7,000 items, which he amassed with the help of his wife, Sally. "It was a team effort...It was one of my lifelong pleasures but when she came into my life 20-some years ago she partnered in it and enjoyed what we did just as much as I did. I couldn't have done this without her."

In March 2009, Kaufman said, "It's time for me to sell."

Death

Kaufman died in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on October 12, 2009, from a heart attack.