Obituary for Henry Saul Wolfson
Henry Saul Wolfson passed away peacefully at home among family in Peabody, Massachusetts on Monday, March 21, 2022 at the age of 87 after a full and happy life.
Henry is survived by his wife, Florence, the love of his life to whom he was married for 60 years. He is also survived by his children Susannah Abbott and her husband Robert, of Andover, Massachusetts, Deborah Mendez and her husband Carlos, of Arlington, Massachusetts, and Sarah Raleigh and her husband Jim, of Belmont, North Carolina, as well as grandchildren Rachel Abbott, David Raleigh, Jonathan Tales and his wife Kathleen, Rebecca Mendez, Edith Mendez, and Aidan Raleigh. He adored his family and was beloved by them.
Henry was born in New York City on May 4, 1934 to the late Edith and David Wolfson, and lived most of his adult life in Teaneck, New Jersey where he was a member of Congregation Beth Sholom.
Known for his quiet demeanor, Henry’s warmth and empathy endeared him to all. Friends he made growing up in Washington Heights and Riverdale, New York, as well as at Cornell University where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1957, formed the center of his and Florence’s lifelong social circle. Henry extended the same kindness and consideration to everyone throughout his life, unfailingly expressing appreciation to the hospital staff even during his last illness.
Henry was a born tinkerer who made his first forays into engineering working on a family model train set with his uncles. His long career as an electrical engineer began at Philco in Philadelphia and later included work with Raytheon, Magnavox, and Philips, all in New Jersey. He worked on emergency response systems, infrared technology, and radar applications, among other projects.
Henry loved the outdoors and the mountains in particular. The adventures of his twenties, which included skiing Tuckerman’s Ravine in New Hampshire, gave way to more family-friendly pursuits once he had children in tow. Whether hiking, skiing, camping, or sailing with them, he stressed the importance of leaving no trace and of being responsible stewards of the outdoors.
As a member of the Cornell Outing Club, Henry learned to play the banjo. He and Florence shared a love of listening to classical music and playing folk music together. Henry had a remarkable memory and never forgot the lyrics to a song.
A graveside service will be held at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey on Wednesday, March 23, at 12:45.
Donations in Henry’s memory may be made to Covenant House or the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (H.I.A.S.).
Henry is survived by his wife, Florence, the love of his life to whom he was married for 60 years. He is also survived by his children Susannah Abbott and her husband Robert, of Andover, Massachusetts, Deborah Mendez and her husband Carlos, of Arlington, Massachusetts, and Sarah Raleigh and her husband Jim, of Belmont, North Carolina, as well as grandchildren Rachel Abbott, David Raleigh, Jonathan Tales and his wife Kathleen, Rebecca Mendez, Edith Mendez, and Aidan Raleigh. He adored his family and was beloved by them.
Henry was born in New York City on May 4, 1934 to the late Edith and David Wolfson, and lived most of his adult life in Teaneck, New Jersey where he was a member of Congregation Beth Sholom.
Known for his quiet demeanor, Henry’s warmth and empathy endeared him to all. Friends he made growing up in Washington Heights and Riverdale, New York, as well as at Cornell University where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1957, formed the center of his and Florence’s lifelong social circle. Henry extended the same kindness and consideration to everyone throughout his life, unfailingly expressing appreciation to the hospital staff even during his last illness.
Henry was a born tinkerer who made his first forays into engineering working on a family model train set with his uncles. His long career as an electrical engineer began at Philco in Philadelphia and later included work with Raytheon, Magnavox, and Philips, all in New Jersey. He worked on emergency response systems, infrared technology, and radar applications, among other projects.
Henry loved the outdoors and the mountains in particular. The adventures of his twenties, which included skiing Tuckerman’s Ravine in New Hampshire, gave way to more family-friendly pursuits once he had children in tow. Whether hiking, skiing, camping, or sailing with them, he stressed the importance of leaving no trace and of being responsible stewards of the outdoors.
As a member of the Cornell Outing Club, Henry learned to play the banjo. He and Florence shared a love of listening to classical music and playing folk music together. Henry had a remarkable memory and never forgot the lyrics to a song.
A graveside service will be held at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey on Wednesday, March 23, at 12:45.
Donations in Henry’s memory may be made to Covenant House or the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (H.I.A.S.).