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Benjamin Wolfe Obituary

Benjamin J. Wolfe
Benjamin J. Wolfe, 25, of 336 Ashtown Drive, died Oct. 4 in Blue Mountain Health Systems Gnaden Huetten Campus. Born in Lehighton, he was a son of Carl A. Jr. and Lynda M. (Rudelitch) Wolfe of Lehighton. He was of the Lutheran faith. He was a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and also Lincoln Technical Institute. He assisted with his familys landscaping business. He was an accomplished saxophonist playing in area bands. Survivors: Parents; brothers, Alex D. at home, Christopher A. of Lehighton; sister, Andrea L. of State College; maternal grandparents, John and Grace (Frantz) Rudelitch of Lehighton; paternal grandparents, Carl Sr. and Beatrice (Serfass) Wolfe of Lehighton. Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton. Call 9-11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment, private. Contributions: Benjamin J. Wolfe Scholarship Fund, c/o Lehighton Area Senior High School, 1 Indian Lane, Lehighton 18235.

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Published by Morning Call on Oct. 6, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Wolfe

47 Entries

Mollie

September 30, 2023

"In short, all that is body is as coursing waters, all that is of the soul as dreams and vapors." - Marcus Aurelius

Mollie

December 14, 2022

I dreamed of you last night, Ben.

Meghan Feffer

November 2, 2006

I can't believe it has been two years, I can still hear your voice like I talked to you yesterday. I miss you and always will. Love and Light on your journeys where ever they take you.

Aunt Sue DiFluri

October 4, 2006

It is a sad evening...as we remember the events of your passing two years ago. We pray that you are at peace and in a better place.
Ben, you are in each of our hearts eternally.
In your passing, your family has been blessed with meeting and knowing some very sweet, special and talented people. We congregate in your memory and know that you are with us in those moments, as you are in other quieter moments....
God speed, Ben.

Trent

June 8, 2006

Not a day has or probably will ever pass in the remainder of my own life when you do not occur in my thoughts at some point. I hope I get to see you again. Welcome Vince and Billy into eternity where the music truly never stops.

Aunt Sue

June 6, 2006

I had a dream this weekend... we were among family and friends on a big boat and you were teaching me about two kinds of people on this planet... but then you disappeared. We all wondered where you went and we were worried about you.... Then one day I came in to a cabin on this boat and there you sat. I was SO happy that you were back! I expressed that we missed you and that we were worried about you, but you casually smiled and stated that you never went away, and that we all worry too much.

The reality of the day is that you are not here with us physically...and we do so miss you, and everything that was you.

Mom

May 7, 2006

I miss you every day, Ben.

Kurt Bresswein

November 4, 2005

I can't hear CCR's "Down on the Corner" without thinking of Ben belting it out on, I believe, the baritone sax one afternoon at Lehighton AHS. Mr. Quinn, the band director, asked him to play the bass line to show us all what it sounds like when you put heart into your part. When I read Sunday's article at my parents' house about Ben's death, I decided to listen to the radio on the way home because I knew I'd hear that song. Then I forgot and listened to a CD instead. But there I was Tuesday standing at Circuit City, and I realized the song was playing. And I remembered Ben.

Amber Breiner

October 9, 2005

Ben has been and will continue to live on in my heart and memories.

Dawn Dukat

October 4, 2005

I can hardly believe it's been a whole year without you. Not one day goes by that I do not think of you. Your presence, your spirit, your voice, your smile, your music, your hugs, your company and your friendship are missed every day. You are still with us because we choose to remember you and cherish our time with you. I will love you always, my dear friend.

Dawn

Aunt Sue

October 3, 2005

... a linear year has passed since the night you were taken away from this plane. We are still confused by it all...sometimes accepting of the nature of your life and time of death, but still perplexed by the events in which it occured and looking for justice to ease our loss of the child that was you.

Can you know in this cybespace blog of obituary what we write and what we feel? Somehow I believe that you can.

Ben, though the time for this format of conveying messages to you and to all who may visit here is now over, you are remembered and loved eternally...

Thank-you for being,

Love,

"Aunt" Sue

Shelli Holland

June 16, 2005

"I feel your spirit everywhere & I can hear you sigh"

Restless Wind - Bill Nershi of SCI

Eileen Meiser

June 15, 2005

My prayers continue for Lynda, Carl, and family enabling them to face each day with renewed strength and continued healing. My tribute to Ben comes in the form of an attempt to put my thoughts into a kind of poem.

Of a different time and in a place called West Penn

Came a willing and vibrant young man to our school.

As an elementary teacher I'd be ever so glad to see

He'd never be any trouble...a follower of the golden rule.

Above my classroom door you'd see these familiar words...

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

As for the rest of my rules, this much can be said,

If I'd had more like Ben, there'd be need for only a few.

Accepting of his new school and classmates, he stood out among the rest

As a pleasant, intelligent, and free-spirited young man of ten.

It was such a privilege and joy to have this learner in my class,

An inquisitive, genuine lover of nature and science was Ben.

I remember his smile, wit and humor, and certainly can't forget music

Even though to his music teacher he'd probably wonder and say...

"Will I ever become what he wants me to be or can I perform this task?"

Now we surely know the answer...for the heart and soul of his music lives on today!

I will never forget Ben while he lived on this earth,

For surely he has impacted and touched many a life

Take comfort...for now he's making music with the angels in heaven,

No more earthly struggling...no more pain...no more strife!

The lessons of life can be so difficult, as oft we wonder why,

His twenty-five years were short, but of this we can be sure...

You will see Ben again some day because of God's promises of eternal life,

For it is through His love, grace, and strength that we CAN and WILL endure!

Written my Eileen Meiser, Ben's fifth grade teacher on June 14th, 2005.

Marian Buchanan

June 15, 2005

Thank you for sharing this guest book with us as well as a beautiful afternoon in "the Glen", Ben is well loved, isn't he. What a wonderful tribute to Ben!

Carl and Lynda Wolfe

June 14, 2005

Today is Ben's birthday. He would have been 26 years old. This past weekend we were joined with friends, family members and his dog, Sunshine, to spread the ashes of our dear son at one of his favorite places, Glen Onoko.

We knew immediately that the Glen was where we would spread his ashes. The day was as much for his friends as it was for us. They have been a blessing for us, sharing the Ben they knew.

We'd like to share the words our song to Ben:

Unannounced he'd walk in,

with a hug and a grin;

Tapes and CD's from his latest jam;

He'd say, Hey, Dad, I know,

You and Mom worry so,

But I'm all right wherever I am.

'Cause there's music there,

It fills the air;

I can play wherever I roam.

And I'd smile a dad's smile,

But I'd think all the while,

Yes, I know, son, I'm glad that you're home.

Now we're here at the Glen,

to remember you Ben,

Your bright smile, the sweet sound of your horn.

Though we'd sometimes disagree, You, your mother and me,

Shared your love from the day you were born.

Here with your family and friends,

We say death's not the end;

We'll meet again when each completes his tome.

But as I look to the sky,

There's a tear in my eye, I'm so sad, Ben you had to go home.

Your safe from this world's harms,

In the Great Spirit's arms,

But we're sad Ben, you had to go home.

6/14/05

Trent Bevers

June 6, 2005

Ben was a dear friend of mine for almost eight years. He was the greatest musician I have ever had the privilege to play with. He began to teach me the circle of fifths once by insisting I sit on the ground and close my eyes with bass in hand. Starting directly in front of me and continuing clockwise he would jump successively to each position, announce the key and have me go through the scale with him and then jam on it a bit. He did this through all twelve keys until he arrived in front of me again. Then he would speed up, jamming through the circle and then jump across to random keys leaving me to rely upon what he was teaching to figure out which one he was in. Even just riding in a car, he would do vocal harmony with me. In addition to a kind soul, Ben was often a mindboggler. I couldn't always keep up with him musically or even mentally. His gears were just spinning too fast, it was difficult for him sometimes to communicate all his thoughts. I think about him every day and I suppose I will for the rest of my own life.

June 4, 2005

Join friends and family on June 12, 05 at Glen Onoko to spread Ben's ashes at 2PM. We miss you, Ben.

March 21, 2005

Earth Day (weekend of April 23)in Jim Thorpe is being dedicated in your memory Dear Ben... We know you'll be there in spirit. We all miss you.

Tim & Julie Getz

November 10, 2004

Ben was at our wedding this summer playing his sax as usual. He was always a great time and sure knew how to have fun. He won't be forgotten.

Aunt Sue

November 4, 2004

It is one month since you passed from this earth to a place of light and love. Thank you for presenting yourself in little ways that let us know you are eternal. We miss you and love you....

Jessica Solt(Andrew)

October 25, 2004

-I knew Ben quite well in high school. He was an amazing singer and musician. I hadn't seen him in quite some time, but I often thought of the fun we had in Music Express and Band...ironically, I saw Ben only about a month ago playing his sax outside of the post office in Jim Thorpe. I didn't think much of it then, but now I'm sorry I didn't stop to say hi.

To Ben's Family:

My mother was very ill for the past few months, and she just passed away October 11th. I share in your grief and I know how it feels to lose someone so wonderful and so young. My mother was only 50...it is so hard to accept, but the only comfort I found was to believe that she was some place glorious, and I'm sure Ben is some place glorious too.

My deepest sympathy to all of Ben's family and friends

Laura

October 24, 2004

Every year, there are sweet-faced good kids - all kids are good - who are taken from us, who leave us only with the question. With the question, and yes, with the heartbreak, a community’s heartbreak at the unfairness of it all, and the crushing burden of carrying with us, forever, our images of those children - of their faces and their laughter and their crises and their triumphs, and all the times we enjoyed hearing them and helping them and loving them. The carrying is heavy indeed when something so tragic happens; in time, perhaps, the memories become more of a comfort than a burden. We can only pray that they do.

What is there to say? It hurts. It hurts a lot. We must gather ‘round this family now, not to presume that we can fill the emptiness or cure the grief, but to let them know that we share both. Our feelings, our terrible feelings, remind us that we really are the family of humankind. Their loss is our loss, and their child was our child - our classmate, our student, our friend, our brother, our nephew, our grandson.

Everything that could be said seems so inadequate. But it helps to say what we feel anyway.

Janet, Bob, Vincent & Brian Hartzell

October 20, 2004

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Ben's Family and Friends. We were shocked when we were imformed of Ben's passing recently, when we asked where he was at Brett's (my Nephew)gig at Benningan's. My husband and I only met him once, our Sons mult. times....but what a warm, polite and amazingly talented saxaphoneist. Our Family just loved listening to him play. May your Love for Ben and all your joyful and proud memories help to ease your sorrow. God Bless you Ben and all those whose hearts you have touched.

Aunt Sue

October 18, 2004

To know Ben was to love Ben... and we all miss you so very much. For you bestowed on us so many gifts... your music, your smile, your wit, your sensitivity, and simply the being that was you. Godspead Beautiful Boy....

Lori Sterner

October 13, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this time of need.There is nothing in the world worse than loosing a loved one.With the love from family and freinds you will get through this tragedy...God Bless...Sterner Family, my mom was your cousin Lois[Rudelitch]Berger.

"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" Benjamin Wolfe in pensive mood.

Lynda & Carl Wolfe

October 12, 2004

I meant so much to us knowing that your thoughts were with us in our loss. I'd like to share Ben's self-portrait with you from about the year 2000.

October 11, 2004

If you believe in forever...

Then life is just a one-night stand.

If there's a rock and roll heaven

Well you know they've got a hell of a band. (The Righteous Brothers)

Eleanor Hinkle

October 9, 2004

I didn't know your son, Benjamin, but I know my Late Husband, Terry Hinkle knew your Family well. If Terry were here now - he would want you to know how Saddened he is at the Passing of your Son. I want you to know how much these Guest Book Entries meant to me when Terry Died. The words brought much comfort to me and left me know how much Terry was Loved by all those who knew him. I Hope you will find Peace and Comfort in these Entries as well. May God Bless Your Family and give you the Strength to get thru the Days to follow.

brett

October 9, 2004

It was mid January around midnight 2003, when the phone rang, and it was a friend (walker) asking If I wanted to record some saxophone. He knew i was looking

for something interesting, and within five minutes ben and shawn were at my door. Ten minutes later ben was playing his heart out in my studio recording the tracks

to 'under a spell'. It was a most magical moment, and I was never so amazed by such talent. It only took about an hour to feel like I knew him a long time. Long

enough to tell him when he was getting out of line! old soul buddies or something. I know he had that affect on most everyone. It has not even been a year, and I knew

he was one of the best friends I'd ever had. He would do anything for me (and always seemed to have the time)

In addition to experiencing ben himself, he brought into my life a massive amount of wonderful people who have all shared the same great friend. Many of them I will continue to remain friends with and perhaps be even closer to, now that he is gone. It's a shame for such things, often being the means to bring others closer together, but I will hold onto that with all I have.

I don't think I can say any more than anyone else who knew him, even if for just a brief moment. I will truly miss him as a performer, as a friend, and as a brother.

As it was, and ever shall be, in a world without end,

until we meet again...love you ben.

In remembrance of Benjamin on the left; playing at the Waterfront in July of 2004 with Brett. We will always think of him when we hear those songs with those cool sax sounds.

Rob & Deborah Haas

October 8, 2004

We didn't get to know Benjamin and based on the many other guest entries, I am sorry we did not. However we did very much enjoy his playing of the sax with our son Brett.

Our sincerest condolences go out to Benjamin's Parents and Family. God Bless.

;Note - A picture is in the photo gallery of Brett and Benjamin at the Waterfront.

Shane Hatter

October 7, 2004

I just wanted to send my prayers to the Wolfe family, on part of the members of Dakini.We are a band that Ben frequently sat in with,and to be honest he was like a invisible member of the group.He played with us on many occasions,and the band and our fans luved him dear!He was a grate person and one of the best musician I have had the privalege to play with.I am not sure if people really understand how good this kid was!!!It is very hard to believe he will not be there anymore.I am so glad that we had the chance to play with him and experience his magic.You will never be forgotten in our eyes.Love you so much Ben. God bless you and may you forever live in the light.Dakini

Crystal

October 7, 2004

Ben has opened my eyes many times. He was always one to make you think about the world. Also, He was always the first one to jump up and help in a crisis. Ben, I will miss you and your saxophone on a saturday night...*Much Love and Light*

Rachel Popek

October 7, 2004

We planned to go to the prom together in funky thrift store fashions. We never did get around to finding our dream outfits, we dressed in the typical prom attire instead. We talked about going to see the Grateful Dead together, but Jerry passed away before we ever got a chance. That was us, the artistic dreamers. And all the music and laughter that we shared together is still with me. Thank you, Ben.

Jody Marie Haas

October 7, 2004

Though I haven’t known Ben for very long, just as many others portrayed, I felt that I knew him for ever when we would talk. His ability to open up to me was amazing, as he revealed his true inner self to me in many very interesting phone chats and just a few face-to-face conversations, unafraid to share what he really felt and was thinking. I consider myself blessed to have been able to meet Ben and exchange valuable thoughts. Being a follower of Jesus Christ, it was wonderful for me to hear of his belief in God as we shared many similar praises to the Lord. My prayers are for the Lord to provide comfort to Ben’s friends and family. Such tragedies that occur throughout our lives are so hard to comprehend.…we ask why, and most times don’t get the answer we’re looking for. It is said that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes we have to try to look beyond “the answer we’re looking for”, and have faith in God realizing that He sees the whole picture, He has a plan that works for the good of each one of us. Unfortunately, in times like this, it’s hard to look past the pain and sorrow we feel at the time. Our human minds are only able to grasp the here and now. But the Lord has a perfect plan and if you believe, you will see the end results, and arrive at that awaited "answer". It is then that we will understand "Why". Until we meet again on those shores of Heaven, Ben...you were loved and will be greatly missed. God Bless each and every one and may your eyes be opened to the truth, and your hearts be comforted and healed in time.

Holly Strausberger

October 7, 2004

I graduated with Ben from LAHS in 1997, I would like to send my condolences to his family and friends and this time of great sadness.

Denelle Balliet

October 7, 2004

I did not know Ben very well, only for a few months, but every time I saw him he always had a smile on his face, he always had interesting things to talk about & he always went out of his way to be kind to people...he was a very unique person & an amazing sax player...I will think of him whenever I hear his music on Brett's (my brother)CD & I will still "see" him standing up there playing next to my brother. I wish I had more time to know him better, he will be missed. My heart goes out to Ben's family & friends, I am so sorry for your loss.

Meghan Feffer

October 6, 2004

Ben was a great friend of mine and he will be deeply missed. He had a great mind and heart. He was always there for me even when he wasn't in the best place himself. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone, and to top it all off his gift of music was astounding. I will always love him like a brother.

October 6, 2004

I didn't know Ben very well at all... but I knew the sound of that sax. Ben was an Amazingly talented player.. The music will miss him.. and so will all of us.

Rochelle Poszeluznyj

October 6, 2004

I loved going to the Waterfront to see Brett and Ben get their groove on. Ben was always smiling and the first time i met him, i thought that i knew him from somewhere, but i couldnt put my finger on it, and i was talking to him as if i had know him for years. Ben gave me a huge smile and just went along with it. then he told me later on that he was glad to meet me.... and i felt like i had known him for years. Every time after that that i've seen him, it's like we've known each other forever. I will miss everything about him.

god bless

erica

October 6, 2004

This is such a sad loss. I only met Ben once at starters pub im a friend of Bretts and Ben was the nicest guy. Full of energy and made me laugh. My love goes out to the friends and family of Ben. He will be greatly missed.

Amanda Motroni

October 6, 2004

Ben was a wounderful person, and a wounderful sax player. He was the most selfless person that I have ever known. I am very thankful for all of the fun times we shared, and very sad to see him go. His heart was so pure, his eyes so full of life, and his smile was contagious. He will be missed much, for he was loved much.

Hallie Seiwell

October 6, 2004

Although I didn't know Ben myself, I teach at Lehighton Middle School and know that many teachers and students who did know him are greatly saddened at losing such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wolfe family.

Judie and Glenn Hunsicker

October 6, 2004

Carl and Lynda I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Chad Werkheiser

October 6, 2004

You will be missed.

Sue

October 6, 2004

I did not have the pleasure of knowing Ben personally, but a good friend of mine did...so I have learned that he was a very special person, along with being an exceptionally talented musician. My condolenses to his close friends and family on their loss. I'm sure he is making beautiful music in heaven now.

Victor Stabin

October 6, 2004

Our thoughts are with with the Wolfe family during this difficult time.

Ben's greatest joy was making others happy with his music as our two-year-old daughter will attest.

We hired Ben to play the saxaphone for the commemorative stamp signing for the Henry Mancini stamp held at the Jim Thorpe post office in August - he played all the Mancini greatest hits, "The Pink Panther", "Baby Elephant Walk" etc. Ben's performance made the event special.

Though the event was in honor of Henry Mancini, who had died 10 years before, we will always remember Ben when we hear a Mancini song or see the Mancini stamp.

May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

With deepest sympathy,

Victor Stabin, Joan Morykin, Skyler Stabin, Arielle Stabin

Anonymous

October 6, 2004

I understand the world will sadly miss this great guy and accomplished sax player. Prayers to his family and close friends. May memories keep him close at heart.

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