William Anthony Wolff

As the sun started its ascent on the third Sunday of Advent, we said our final goodbyes to our beloved William Anthony Wolff ("Bill" or "Papa Wolff" to those who knew him). December 17th, 2023 marks the day that Bill left this world, surrounded by his family, and entered into his Father's House; no doubt his son, Brian Joseph Wolff was greeting him with joyful, open arms.
Bill was born on March 19th, 1946 to Robert and Ercil Wolff in Chicago, IL. He graduated as Valedictorian of his Notre Dame High School in Niles, Illinois. He graduated from Notre Dame University in 1969 with a History major; he had a full academic scholarship. During this period he was in the Holy Cross Seminary for 5 years, which included one year of novitiate. His Master's degree in Social Work was from Washington University, St. Louis MO. Realizing that his calling was not to be a priest, he moved to St. Louis after graduation, where he and Bonnie Musick met. Bill and Bonnie where married on January 23rd, 1971, this month would have been their 53rd wedding anniversary. In St. Louis they created a beautiful family of 4 children, Jennifer, Brian, Michael and Rebecca. Grandchildren have also been a blessing to them: Eli, Kira, Emma and Brian Santino.
In the year 2010, Bill retired as the director of Lakeside Center, where he served troubled youth in St. Louis County. A surprise retirement revealed the abundance of love his community had for him, and in Bill's speech, he remarked "I may not have a lot of money, but looking out at you all gathered here, I can tell I am the richest man I know".
Many organizations received the blessing of Bill's volunteer work and music. For several years he led the guitar Masses at the Newman Center at Washington University in St. Louis, forming close friendships with many who attended, these friends continue to keep in touch. For more than 30 years he led the music group at the 10:30 Mass at Mary Queen of Peace; this group became known as the "10:30 Singers". He had also played for many weddings and funerals. He was very active with the ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology and Service) retreats and was the music director at several of these retreats. After losing his oldest son, Brian, to cancer at age 15 years, Bill became involved in bettering the lives of other children with cancer through Camp Rainbow in St. Louis, Missouri. He served on the board for The Episcopal City Mission of St. Louis, providing hope for children in the juvenile detention system and fundraising through John Denver Tribute concerts.
In 2017 Bill and Bonnie moved to Prescott to be close to their oldest daughter, Jen, and family. During the past 7 years he had been very active with Sacred Heart parish, Knights of Columbus, the Senior Peer program, his neighborhood HOA and Firewise USA. Bill also became the lead guitarist with his daughter, Jen's, band, the Gurley Girls.
Beyond his musical and service contributions, Bill was known for his "dad jokes", his model train set building, his woodworking, his love of history, his deep faith, and his dedication to his wife, Bonnie. Faith, family and service were his lifeblood.
Bill inspired us all through his long cancer journey, exhibiting a spirit of steel through the years of intense treatments, pain, and gradual loss of physical integrity. Through it all, he never lost the integrity of his soul. Through the darkest days of cancer treatments, he retained his mission to care for others. Even on the day he consented to hospice care, his heart breaking and tears streaming, Bill looked his nurse in the eyes and said "You have such a beautiful smile. How are YOU?" He saw the inherent worth of every person he met.
There is no space large enough to express the summation of a life so fully lived, so given to the service of others, and the gigantic love Bill instilled in the hearts of his family, his friends, and everyone that has been lucky enough to cross his path. Rest in peace, Papa Wolff. There are no more earthly battles for you to fight and Heaven welcomes you into your forever home.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Hamarneh and his team with Arizona Oncology, Maggies Hospice and their team and so many friends and others who have been such a tremendous support, especially in these past few weeks.
A memorial service for Bill will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Prescott, AZ on January 20th, 2024 at 10a.m., with the Rosary at 9:30. A luncheon in the lower level of the church will follow. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Rainbow, Sacred Heart Church, Knights of Columbus or charity of your choice, in Bill's name.