Robert M. Wohlfarth

Robert Michael Wohlfarth was born July 12, 1937 in north Arlington, New Jersey, the son of Charlie and Rita Wohlfarth. His father was a structural engineer, while his mother worked for the Social Security Administration.

Bob graduated from Our Lady Queen of Peace High then went on to Catholic University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering and Juris Doctor.

Bob was a varsity swimmer at Catholic and captured the Mason-Dixon Conference championship in the breaststroke. He was also member of the school’s high-profile drill team that was known as “The Persian Rifles” and a member of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.

Bob became a patent attorney for the U.S. Department of Navy and shepherded many important projects through the legal process. He was responsible for obtaining patents for the Navy’s cruise missile and Trident projects. He worked for the government for almost four decades before retiring.

The Wohlfarth family moved to The Downs community of Annapolis in 1974 and Bob displayed his creative talents by personally performing all the interior finishing work for the home.

Bob grew up boating on Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey and that experience instilled a lifelong passion. He joined the Annapolis Yacht Club and owned seven different boats during his 45 years as a member.

Bob got into sailboat racing aboard a Ranger 29 named Kermit and worked with renowned Annapolis sailmaker Scott Allan to get up to speed. Tony Parker, who had coached with Allan at the Naval Academy, took charge of putting together the crew and the fledgling program did well right out of the gate in 1973.

Allan and Parker convinced Wohlfarth to buy a Morgan three-quarter tonner for the following season and that boat, also named Kermit, won every regatta except one that it entered — earning Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association High Point honors by the highest percentage ever recorded at the time.

That success prompted Wohlfarth to compete in the Three-quarter Ton North American Championships in Newport, Rhode Island. Kermit won the regatta against a talent-laden 15-boat fleet and Bob always cherished that championship trophy.

Bob later turned his talents to race committee work and was a dedicated volunteer with Annapolis Yacht Club. He served as chairman of the Special Events Race Committee from 1995 through 2000.

When Bob decided to trade sailing for powerboating he did so in style. He designed and built a Judge 37-foot lobster boat named True Love that was one of the most beautiful on the Chesapeake Bay and wound up being featured in Yachting Magazine.

Bob bought a home at the intersection of First Street and Eastern Avenue in Eastport and spent considerable time redesigning it. Describing himself as a frustrated architect, he completed the renovation project in 1998 and nicknamed the home Small Wonder. That was among many houses in Eastport that he restored.

Bob and his wife traveled extensively to Bermuda, Ireland, China, France, Portugal, Tahiti, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon River in Brazil. He spent spare time doing crossword puzzles and enjoyed cooking.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Sheila Fennelly. He is also survived by son Charles Wohlfarth of Glen Burnie. He was predeceased by his parents and son Robbie.

A mass of christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (109 Duke of Gloucester Street) this Saturday, April 15 at 10:30 a.m. A lunch reception will be held at the Annapolis Yacht Club afterward.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on this website for the Wohlfarth family.