Dr Robert F Wolff

Robert F. Wolff, Ed.D., 80, of Kutztown, a professor emeritus of mathematics and computer science at Kutztown University from 1967 to 1997, died Thursday, March 27, 2014. He was the husband of Sylvia E. (Durs) Wolff. They were married August 10, 1957 .

Born in 1933 in Saint Clair, PA, he was a son of the late Fred and Catherine (Cavanaugh) Wolff. Dr. Wolff was a graduate of Saint Clair High School, Class of 1950. Bob loved athletics. He was a standout high school football player and was selected to play in the Dream Game as a senior. He was recruited by the late coach Joe Patton to play football at Kutztown State Teachers College (now Kutztown University of Pennsylvania). He was a four year starter and the football team's captain playing from 1950-54. He played both offensive and defensive positions . He was graduated from Kutztown State in January of 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Following his graduation from college, Bob entered Officers' Candidate School for the United States Navy. He soon became an ensign, and then become promoted to the rank of Lieutenant J.G.  He served three years in active duty as an Air Intelligence Officer and served 35 years in the active reserves. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and retired from the reserves in 1993. While in the navy, he played one football season for the military team, the Washington Seahawks. Bob started his teaching career at Minersville High School in Schuylkill County in 1958, where he taught math and coached football for three years. Bob left Minersville to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he was awarded a twelve month fellowship in the National Science Academic year Institute for Mathematics Teachers. He graduated in 1963 with his master’s degree.

Bob went on to teach mathematics at Salisbury High School, Lehigh County. He started the football program there as its football coach. He taught math at the Swain School, Allentown, and started Swain’s soccer program. Bob was awarded a grant from the United States Office of Education, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, to advance his education at Lehigh University. He received his doctorate degree from Lehigh in research and statistics in 1968.  While the knowledge of computers was still new to the general public in 1968, Bob’s doctoral thesis was a Feasibility Study on the Construction of a Diagnostic Test on Proper Fractions to be Administered, Scored and Integrated by a Computer . Bob joined the faculty of Kutztown University shortly after receiving his doctorate.  He taught mathematics and computer science and was an active member of the KU community.  He was an assistant Golden Bears football coach and head coach for the men’s and women’s tennis teams in 1976 and again from 1991 to 1994. He retired from coaching tennis after recording a 39-12 overall record, the highest winning percentage in Kutztown’s School history (.765) among all sports teams at that time.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Bob was an outstanding athlete and coach. He was named to the Kutztown University Hall of Fame in 1982. He was named to KU’s Team of the Decade and also was honored as an Athlete of the Twentieth Century in 2000. He cherished his time at KU and loved his job and his students. He taught dancing courses in continuing education at KU and will be remembered for his love of dance. Bob saved some time to serve his community. He served on two school boards, Salisbury Schools and St. Thomas More School both in Lehigh County. The building of St. Thomas More School was not quite complete when Bob was appointed to its board. That first board was responsible for getting the school up and running successfully. He also served on the boards of Friend, Inc., Kutztown and the Goodwill Organization in Berks County. He was an Eucharistic minister for St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown, where he was a member since 1972. Bob loved life and embraced it as long as he could. He did "not go gently into that good night."

He is survived by In addition to his wife of 56 years, he is survived by 4 children, Colleen M. (Wolff), wife of Chris J. Cornelius, Switzerland, FL; Robert J., husband of Lisa (Sharp) Wolff, Lower Macungie Twp., Joseph S., husband of Kari (Sugerman) Wolff, Kennett Square, and Ann-Marie Wolff, Reading. Other survivors include a Sister-in-law, Elsie (Frantz) widow of Predeceased Brother, Fred. There are 5 Grandchildren, Taylor, Sam, Lily, Emerson and Trevor Wolff. He was predeceased by his Parents, Brothers, William, Joseph, George, Fred and Sister, Kay .

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 3, 2014, at 10:00 AM from Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown , 19530. Interment with Military Honors in Fairview Cemetery, Kutztown.  Friends may call Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown and Thursday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the church .

Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.