The first time I "met" Steve, I spoke with him on the telephone. He announced himself as (pause)  'The Wolfeman' (pause) intentionally, in as scary and deep a voice as a six year old could imagine... and then he asked to speak with my father in his recognizable happy voice.  Honestly, the six year old in me is still a little rattled when I remember it. The (big, bad) Wolfeman calling our house. And the joke never got old, even as the years passed.

Over the decades, I was blessed to know Steve, first when I was a child, then a teen, a young adult (as a neighbor in Boston even), as a married woman, and as a mom. His positive energy was contagious and consistent for over forty-plus years I knew him, as one of my parents'/father's oldest and dearest (and most patient) friends and later as one of my own friends. And the irony (?) is we all know that oh-so-scary wolfeman was actually one of the kindest most gentle souls, generous of heart, and the finest example of goodness I feel blessed to have known--and I'm a better person today because of that friendship. On the occasions I had the opportunity to spend time with Steve, aside from his smile, and that sincere belly laugh, what struck me is how very present and accepting he was in and of every moment. He lived so fully. And I have thought of him more often through the years than he probably knew. The world lost a little bit of sparkle with his passing, but those of us who knew him will carry all those memories with us always. 
Rest In Peace, Steve Wolfe (with an E!). My heart is heavy. I will miss you. 
Love, Marleigh (and Tim) Brown.


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Thoughts and Memories of Stephen

Stephen was my half-brother. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. It was very much unexpected. Stephen was born in New London, Connecticut. His mother died when he was very young. He was raised by my father and my grandmother, who adored him, until my father remarried and the family moved to Philadelphia. It was a difficult adjustment for Stephen. I grew up with Stephen as a young child, he was ten years older. Then he was off to Valley Forge Military Academy, Boston University, the Army, and back to Boston where he remained. Stephen loved Valley Forge and maintained a lifelong affiliation. He was very athletic as a young man involved in boxing and wrestling too, I think. We went to visit him at Valley Forge for various events, parades and pageantry. When he came to visit us he would always confront the neighborhood bullies that were giving my brother Jason and I a hard time. He was a tough kid and he enjoyed it.

My family moved to California in 1968. We maintained a relationship from a distance. He was very independent and we didn’t see him that often. But he came to visit several times. He always rose to the occasion for important family events, attending weddings and some major birthdays for my father. At the end of my father’s life Stephen came out a number of times and he was very generous in assisting with his nursing care.

The last time I saw Stephen was at my nephew David’s wedding on Martha’s Vineyard. He came up on his boat. I got to send some quality time with him, and he shared something of his philosophy of life. He said he never knew if he would marry or not. He never knew if he would have children or not, but he was determined to enjoy his life to the fullest, which he did.

I will miss Stephen. I always thought I would see him again. I offer my thoughts and condolences to his family and friends in Boston.

Sincerely,

Michael Wolfe


I met Steve during my doctoral studies in Boston in the 1990s, thanks to my friends Bill and Kathleen Heck.  His smile and the conversations we had will remain in my memory.  A great friend, a warm heart, an infectious smile.  I looked forward to seeing him again as I prepare to visit Newton, MA in a few days. May he rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Stephen W Wolfe

January 2, 1940 – August 15, 2018

Stanetsky Memorial Chapel

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