Alfred "Fred" Wolff

Alfred "Fred" Wolff, 88, of Castleton, passed away after a brief illness on December 31, 2025. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of Alfred C. Wolff and Dorothy L. Holmgren and beloved brother of Peter Wolff, JoAnn (Dale) Isaacs and William (Leslie) Wolff.

Fred is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Maryanna "Bonnie" Wolff. He leaves his son, William B. Wolff, his daughter Wendy W. (David) Fernandez and three adoring grandchildren: Lydia (Jack), Elena (Robert) and Marisa. Fred is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as in-laws and other extended family.

Fred was, above all, a loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and in-law within his family. He doted on his wife, Bonnie, and walked with unfaltering love and care with her in her journey with Alzheimer's. He guided his children with wisdom and a gentle hand, he was always available to listen, demonstrate, help or advise. He looked after his siblings with care and concern all of his life, always ready with any kind of support they may need.

Fred spent most of his professional career, 40 years, as an instrumentation specialist for the Chemistry Department of SUNY Albany. Fred lost his own father at a young age and was a loving father to many, including his siblings and then later to his nieces and nephews when they also lost their father at a young age.

Fred was the consummate handyman, skills passed to him from this father. He was persistent and skilled at repairing almost any type of item from electronics, clocks and watches to small engines and appliances. He built his own powerboat as a young man and moved onward in home contracting skills.  He finished the second floor of his home-electric, plumbing, tile, flooring, sheetrock, trim-and later finished an addition to the house and built his wife the kitchen she always wanted. He made bikes for the neighborhood boys from scavenged parts. He built sheds for friends and neighbors and dabbled in electronics to create a lap timer for Lebanon Valley Speedway and a Pinewood Derby Racetrack for Troop 53. His great accomplishment was sharing his knowledge and skills with his children as they grew into capable adults until he retired to become "supervisor" as they took the lead in projects.

Fred was a friend to everyone. He would strike up a conversation anywhere, concerning just about anything. Most recently he focused on finding out more about the heritage of his family and shared with them the accomplishments of his own grandfather, architect Eric O. Holmgren, who designed buildings that still stand today in Brooklyn, NY. Fred maintained connections with friends and family with focus, he regularly communicated with distant relatives, boyhood friends as well as valued people he met as an adult. He formed new friendships after retirement through the Castleton Kiwanis and The Mustard Seed Community of Sacred Heart Church in Castleton, some of whom facilitated memorable experiences and support in the later years of his life.

Fred was a dedicated community volunteer and shared his time with many entities but most recently the Castleton Kiwanis. He also followed his father's footsteps with the Boy Scouts, where he mentored several generations of boys, some to Eagle Scout, in Troop 53 of Castleton. He donated tens of gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Castleton Funeral Home, 59 Seaman Ave., Castleton on May 30th, 2026, between 11:00am and 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to Fred's favorite charities: Castleton Kiwanis, The Anchor (Castleton), or Boy Scout Troop 53 of Castleton.