Obituary of Rudolph R. Wolf

Wolf, Jr., Rudolph R. – on May 14, 2024, age 85, of Oyster Bay, NY. Beloved husband of Veronica nee Kaim. Devoted father of Rudolph III (late Esther), Veronica M., Kenneth (Sandra), and Darlene. Adored grandfather of Jennifer, Tabatha, Kenneth Jr., Jamie, Ryan, Veronica IV, Christian and Dylan. Proud great grandfather of eight. Dear big brother of Diane Sholder (Ronnie) and the late Joyce. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visiting Oyster Bay Funeral Home, 261 South St. Oyster Bay, NY, Thursday 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass St. Dominic RC Chapel, Oyster Bay, NY on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Entombment Pinelawn Memorial Park.

People use the expression I love you to the moon and back, but that has an end, the love we have for you, Dad, is infinite – as Buzz Lightyear would say “to infinity and beyond”.

When we were growing up it made us proud to have such a handsome Father. You were always such a quiet presence, a larger than life individual but we knew you were warm and fuzzy inside. There was a soft and mushy side that only we had the privilege to experience.

You were a jack of all trades and could create fun for us at any time of the year. No other families were lucky enough to have their Dad build them their own private ice skating rink in their backyard. There was a playfulness about you that we had the benefit of, as it brought about many a snowball fight or a fun day racing cars on the track you built in the basement. There was a silliness about you that was contagious and we had many experiences laughing at strange things like when you would chase us around to wipe your sweat on us.

You had a beautiful singing voice, which unfortunately we didn’t hear as often as we’d like but when you did break out in song it made us want to join in on the fun.

Your handiness made life interesting as you could change a bedroom into a kitchen, put a wall anywhere required or build a closet if more space was needed. It was amazing to watch you work on any project whether it be plumbing, carpentry, heating, masonry, electrical, painting, the list could go on and on. Your creativity shone brightly as you figured out how to make a 10 foot banister out of salvaged table legs. This is just one example of how your mind worked at finding a solution to any situation.

 Though the knowledge you had was vast, you never kept that to yourself. You were generous and made sure to share it with us. You taught your sons everything you knew about cars and even went as far as to teach your daughters how to change the oil on their cars. One incident with a broken starter on Veronica’s car, you proceeded to talk her through it step by step and directed her so she could successfully remove it and install a new one by herself. You always wanted us to be self sufficient.

You made us feel safe no matter what, as you were our protector and with hands as large as a catcher’s mitt we knew no harm would come to us as long as you were there. Just like when you plucked Darlene from the ocean when she was caught up in an undertow. To this day she remembers seeing the treasure chest and jewels down there as she tumbled through the water. How lucky she was you were there to save her life. You made us feel safe and secure just by being you.

You know we will forever miss you but we are happy you can now join the family that have gone before us.

When you get out of your Indy Race Car, after winning, Aunt Marilyn will be waiting to brush your wind blown hair.

After working up an appetite, we know you can’t wait for a nice home cooked meal made by your Mom that you’ll get to enjoy along with Papa and Aunt Joyce. Then on to the celebratory reunion where you can relax and have a beer with Bryan, Timmy, Uncle Charlie and Uncle Bryan.  The last but best surprise you’ll have is when Esther grabs you by the hand and you lead her in one of your favorite dances that you’ve been unable to enjoy for such a long time.

You’re forever in our hearts and we know you’ll be watching over us, so we’ll be on our best behavior. Love you, Dad. We’ll miss you every day of our lives. Till we meet again.