In loving memory of
Wallace W. Wolff
Wallace W. Wolff, 87, of Westminster, Maryland, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karin (Hackman) Wolff.
Born on January 30, 1937, in Newark, NJ, Wallace was the youngest child of the late Marcus and Edna (Nagele) Wolff. He graduated from Verona High School in 1955 and went on to earn a degree in Architecture from Cornell University in 1960. Wallace, affectionately known as Wally, translated his passion for architecture into a distinguished career. He began his professional journey with the National Public Housing Administration, followed by a significant role at Vincent G. Kling and Associates in Philadelphia PA. It was during his time at Kling's office that Wally crossed paths with Fred Diseroad. In 1972, they teamed up to establish their own architecture firm, Diseroad and Wolff Architects, in Hatfield, PA (now known as KCBA Architects). The firm achieved notable success in expanding its staff and portfolio to include key projects such as churches, continuing care communities, schools, and residential homes throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. After retiring at the age of 63, Wally pursued a new path by attending Reformed Presbyterian Seminary, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. He used his new expertise to help establish “Dayspring,” a Christian Counseling Center at Penn Foundation, further demonstrating his lifelong commitment to serving others.
In 1957, Wally experienced a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey when he attended Billy Graham’s Crusade in New York City. This event deeply influenced his faith and his dedication to serving humanity. Throughout his life, Wally was passionate about improving the lives of others through various volunteering activities. His commitments including work with the Salvation Army in both New York and Philadelphia, extensive mission efforts in Honduras with the MAMA Project—where he also served as Chairman for nine years—and devoted involvement in local community services. He taught Sunday school and Bible study at Plains Mennonite Church, delivered meals with Meals on Wheels, supported Bridge of Hope Ministry, and contributed to Care and Share, among other initiatives.
Wally's life was a testament to his faith, creativity, dedication to his family, curiosity about all people and things, and passion for bringing beauty into the world. He touched so many lives through his passion for art, design, philosophical discussions, jokes, and camaraderie with people of all ages. His dedication to his craft was evident in his work and his many hobbies, which included chess (NJ H.S. chess champion at age 16), sports (tennis, ping-pong, golf), gardening, sailing, painting, woodworking, editorial writing, and, most of all, sharing and connecting with family and friends, and contemplating the world’s events. His love of travel took him to many places in the US and abroad, including Japan, Europe, and a family cherished location, Chincoteague, VA, where he designed and built the family vacation ‘beach cottage,’ which brought decades of joy and happiness at the beach.
Wally is survived by his wife, Karin (Hackman) Wolff. He leaves behind four children from his first marriage to Marjorie (Wolff) Horton: Phillip Wolff (Grace Song) of Atlanta, GA; Andrew Wolff (Atsuko Kubota) of Los Angeles, CA; Sharon Montanye (Robert) of Lansdale, PA; and Deborah Busch (David) of Ijamsville, MD. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Andre Hackman (Shelly) of Westminster, MD, and Phillip Hackman (Kelly) of Texas. Wally was a cherished grandfather to 17 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by three siblings, Marcus Wolff, Jacqueline Mason, and Bruce Wolff.
As a husband, a father, an uncle, and a grandfather, you will forever be in our hearts and souls; we will forever treasure our memories with you. Through your constant strength and perseverance, you taught us how to prepare for the challenges of life with dignity and respect and to embrace each day with renewed light and hope. You will be missed beyond what words can describe, until we will be reunited one day.
Relatives and friends may call after 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2024 at Plains Mennonite Church, 50 W. Orvilla Road, Hatfield, PA 19440 followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the adjacent cemetery. Arrangements are by the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.
The family requests that contributions in memory of Wally be made to Plains Mennonite Church at the address above, or through donations of flowers.
If you would like to share, please email your memories and photos with Wally to wallacewolffphotos@gmail.com
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