Obituary of Charles E. Wolfgang

Charles E. Wolfgang, 90, of Rome, was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at his home. The son of J. Lewis and Amelia Kober Wolfgang, he was born September, 29, 1919, in Mt. Carmel, PA. On August 8, 1942, at All Saints Lutheran Church, Kulpmont, PA, he married Helen Isora Fisher, his devoted wife of 67 years. Charles proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed along the Eastern seaboard during WW II. Following the war, Charles and Helen moved to Rome. He furthered his career by earning a bachelors degree from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1951. He had a successful civilian career with the Air Force at Griffiss AFB and Richard Gabour AFB in Kansas City, Missouri, as a systems analyst. Following his retirement in 1973, Charles and Helen returned to Rome where he pursued two of his life's passions: music and golf. He was a well known musician, playing the drums since the age of 8. He performed with local music groups, including the Norman Wetzel Orchestra, the Rome Civic Band, Fritz's Polka Band and the Chalet Band. He was a lifetime member of the American Federation of Musicians, local 51, and served as business agent. As an avid golfer, he had a hole-in-one, and especially enjoyed playing with his friends and family. Charles was a strong and faithful member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving our Lord in many capacities throughout the years. Charles is survived by his wife, Helen; his son, Donald (Lynne) of Indiana; his daughters, Judy (Terry) Dreyer of Michigan, Jessie (Whitney) Benedict of Rome, and Letha (Fran) Palczynski of Florida; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring and loving nurses and aides of Hospice and Palliative Care. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 26, 2010, at 2:00 PM, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Relatives and friends may call at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Thursday, March 25, 2010, from 4 to 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413, or St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 502 W. Chestnut St, Rome, NY 13440.