In Memory of Rev. Robert “Bob” Wolf (March 22, 1936 – April 23, 2023)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Robert “Bob” E. Wolf, who died on April 23, 2023, at the age of 87.
Bob was born on March 22, 1936, in Boston, MA to Stuart Eldridge Wolf and Alida Rogers Wolf. He spent most of his early years in suburban Belmont, attended public schools there, and went to The First Church in Belmont, a Unitarian congregation. The church was an important center of the family’s social life and a very important influence on Bob. He was particularly inspired by Rev. Dr. John Nicholls Booth. Church and Unitarianism meant so much to him that Bob decided that he would dedicate his life to it. He was active in religious education, church events, the American Unitarian Youth, and the Liberal Religious Youth.
Bob graduated from Belmont High School in 1954 following which he received his Bachelor of Arts in sociology and anthropology from Northeastern University, MA (1959). Throughout this time, his interest in religion and Unitarianism continued. He was determined that he wanted to become a Unitarian Universalist minister and aid the creation of a community, nation, and world in which everyone could develop in an atmosphere of freedom and equality. In 1963, Bob earned his Bachelor of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School.
Rev. Wolf was ordained on June 23, 1963, by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, NY where he served his first ministry as an assistant minister. He served under the Rev. Paul N. Carnes for three years administering a large school, providing resources, curriculum, and training, and helping develop the Liberal Forum programs for adults. In 1966, he accepted a call from the Central Aroostook Unitarian Universalists, Caribou, ME, and ministered until 1969. Rev. Wolf initiated Caribou Forum which provided adult programs for both the Church and the larger community. Thereafter, from 1969 to 1986, he was a settled minister at the Allen Ave UU Church, Portland, ME. During his ministry, the church went from a small struggling congregation to a growing, vibrant, and committed group. A close religious community was developed, the congregation’s programs were extended, and strong lay leadership was built. Likewise, the First Parish in Needham UU, MA flourished and grew under his ministry (1986-1997). Subsequently, Rev. Wolf served Keene UU Church, NH from 1997 until his retirement in 2001. In every aspect of church life, he emphasized cooperation and consensus, and patience with the process. A strong vision and enabling spirit were the strengths of his ministry.
In addition to his parish ministry, Rev. Wolf served the denomination as Director for Publicity and Publications of the Northeast District. He held the office from 1969 to 1975, taking responsibility for the editing, production, and distribution of the District newsletter the Northeast Viewpoints. Over the years, he led workshops at District conferences on editing and producing church newsletters. Furthermore, he served the Northeast District as Director-at-large (1975-1978); as President (1978-1980); and as UUA Trustee from the Northeast District (1980-1982).
Bob was also active in many community organizations including the Portland Clergy Association (1970-86). He was a founder and Secretary of the Maine Clergy Consultation Service on Abortion (1970-1972); founder and officer of the Memorial Society of Maine (1973-1986); and a member of the Maine Nuclear Referendum Committee (1982), Maine Freeze Campaign (1983) and E.R.A for Maine Committee. In his spare time, he enjoyed carpentry, gardening, boating, and studying history. His favorite place was the “Camp” in Winthrop, Maine, especially when surrounded by loved ones on July 4th—his mother’s birthday. When there, he loved to cook lobsters, grill steaks, and make big batches of whiskey sours for everyone to enjoy on the screen porch.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; children Jonathan Wolf, Carol Wolf, Pamela MacMahon, Adam Wolf, and Franklin Wolf; and stepchildren Lynn Moriarty and Patricia Ybarra, along with ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Roger.
A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at The First Church in Belmont, 404 Concord Ave. Belmont, MA 02478.
Memorial donations may be made to The Greater Boston Food Bank.
Notes of condolence can be sent to Mary Wolf, 102 Brooksby Village Dr., Unit 118, Peabody, MA 01960.