It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Edward James Kaufman of Throop on October 7, 2025. Eddie died with his family by his side at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after a valiant battle with Leukemia. He was 20 years old. Born March 15, 2005 in Wilkes-Barre to Brian and Melissa Scanlan Kaufman, Eddie was a 2023 graduate of Mid Valley High School, a sophomore at Roanoke College, Salem, VA, and a member of St. Carlo Acutis Parish at St. Patrick’s Church in Olyphant.
Eddie developed a love for sports at a very young age, excelling in gymnastics, baseball, golf, and skiing. He was a true student-athlete, earning the LIAA Scholar-Athlete Award in 2023. He was a natural leader on and off the field. His teammates remember him as a fierce competitor but also a brotherly mentor. Most recently, he was a promising right and centerfielder for the Roanoke College Baseball Team.
Eddie had many achievements during his baseball career, including pitching a Perfect Game in 2023, winning the 2022 batting title of the Lackawanna League, and achieving 1st team all-star status for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. “Fast Eddie” was known for his exceptional speed, power at the plate, strong arm, and elite defensive skills in the outfield. In the summer of 2024, he played for the Elmira Pioneers baseball team, where he started in 21 games as a freshman and helped lead the team to a Western Division Title.
He was also a gifted golfer. Under the mentorship of his coach Scotty McAlarny, and his “sponsors,” his wonderful grandparents, Carol and Walter Kaufman, he achieved Scranton Times player of the year for golf in 2022, was the only Mid Valley student to win the Bob Simon Classic 2022, he was the Elkview C.C. 2022 Junior Club Champion and he won the High School Divisional Tournament in 2022 at Elkview C.C. where he shot a -5 under, 67, earning the Times sports page headline of “Eddie Money”.
Eddie had many accomplishments on the fields and courses, but it was his kind, loving, easy-going personality and his bright smile that we hope will be remembered. He loved the simple things in life, like spending time at Cottrell Lake and being with his family. He had unwavering faith in God, which helped him through the toughest of times. He had deep respect for his friends, and he was amazed that people near and far united so strongly to fight his battle with him. The support of Team EddieK and all those who donated, volunteered, and prayed to help us will never be forgotten.
Eddie is survived by his loving parents, Melissa and Brian Kaufman, his dear sister, Mae, also a student at Roanoke College, paternal grandparents, Walter and Carol Kaufman, Union Dale, his uncle, Matthew Kaufman and wife Julie, his aunts; Molly Sardella and husband Renny, Louise McCormack and husband Brian, Kate Verica and husband Billy, cousins; Sara and Brian McCormack, Katie, Emily and Maria Sardella, William and Tommy Verica and the family dog, Rosie and cat, Kitty. Eddie was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Edward and Marianne Scanlan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 10:00 am in St. Patrick’s Church, St. Carlo Acutis Parish, 200 Delaware Avenue, Olyphant, PA 18447. Viewing for family and friends will be in St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm. Interment will be private for family and invited guests at Dunmore Cemetery.
Arrangements under the care and direction of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, West Scranton.
