Michael Wolfe

Michael A. Wolfe ("Mike"), 84, a devoted husband, father, and man of deep faith, passed away peacefully at St. Peter's Hospital on Wednesday, April 22nd, with his beloved wife Barbara (Sullivan) by his side.

Born on May 22, 1941 in Yonkers, N.Y., Mike was the eldest son of Irish immigrant parents, Mary Flannery Wolfe (Mayo) and Anthony Wolfe (Galway). He was the beloved brother of Nancy Shanley (deceased), Eileen Ryan Kelly, and Patrick Wolfe.

A graduate of Fordham University, with a degree in finance, Mike pursued a career in accounting and business operations. Later in his working life, Mike earned a Masters in Taxation from the University at Albany. Driven by a genuine love of working and staying productive, a passion that kept him working all the way to age 81, he channeled that knowledge into running and owning multiple businesses.

Mike loved gathering with his extended family for holidays, vacations in the Adirondacks, and at the Jersey Shore. He cherished traveling with Barbara, especially to Ireland to visit family, play golf, and explore his Irish heritage. He treasured time with his grandchildren as they grew up — participating in school activities, cheering at sporting events and concerts, or simply enjoying a lazy day at the beach. Cars were a lifelong passion, and he loved nothing more than taking a drive — short or long — to grab an ice cream with Barbara, while behind the wheel of either his beloved Impala Super Sport, Corvette, or Cadillac.

Mike had a natural gift for connecting with people. Whether greeting a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, he had a way of making everyone feel welcome and at ease. He never met a stranger, and those who spent even a few minutes with him felt like they'd known him for years. True to his Irish roots, Mike never turned down a good pint of Guinness, best enjoyed with friends and family close by.

Dedicated to his faith and service, Mike was a proud communicant of St. James Catholic Church for 48 years and a devoted member of the church's Knights of Columbus chapter, where his generosity and community spirit touched many lives. He was able to form lasting friendships with his fellow members all of whom meant a great deal to him.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Barbara, as well as his sons Christopher (LeAnn), Daniel (Michelle), and Michael Jr. (Patricia). He is also survived by his grandchildren Timothy (Keri), Alexander, Jessica, Bradley, Zachary, Emma, and Ryan, his great-grandchildren Nolan and Lucy, and by his numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews. He was able to share many years of friendship, laughter and good times with all of them.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Mike's life on Friday, May 1st, at French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave., Chatham, NY, from 9:00 to 10:45am, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at St. James Catholic Church in Chatham at 11:00am. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Ghent, N.Y. Arrangements have been entrusted to Robert M. Donaghue & Michael R. Blasl, French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. James Church, Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund, mailing address: St. James Catholic Church, 117 Hudson Ave., c/o Our Lady of the Rosary KofC Council# 3466, Chatham NY 12037.