Victor A. Wolek

Victor Alan Wolek passed peacefully with his family by his side on December 31st, 2023 at the age of 89. Born in Paterson, NJ he lived in Fort Lee and Bergenfield, NJ, where he graduated from Bergenfield High School. He was the only son of Victor Joseph Wolek and Margaret Elizabeth Ellig. He participated in Boy Scouts during his early years and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a philatelist (stamp collector) from an early age and continued collecting stamps until his passing. He attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN.
He was a principled man who lived each day according to the Boy Scout Law: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent and you knew this if you knew him.
He was a dedicated military veteran, having served on the Tripoli, a Navy aircraft carrier, with a wooden flight deck. He also served as a reservist in the SeaBees, the construction workers of the Navy, and retired with 23 years of service in 1994.
He worked at Wolek's Ornamental Iron works with his father until his passing in 1976 and then as the owner until his retirement in 2013. He was a devoted grandfather, father and mentor, who not only worked side by side with his sons, Franke and Paul, but also imparted invaluable life lessons as they forged a shared path in the world of custom metal fabrication. Alan's dedication to his craft was matched only by his commitment to instilling a robust work ethic and a passion for their shared profession in his beloved sons.
During lunch breaks, Alan had a simple yet cherished ritual-he always wanted a pickle with his sandwich. His love for this crunchy accompaniment became a symbol of the little joys that enhance the daily grind. Franke and Paul, attuned to their father's preferences gifting him five-gallon buckets of pickles to ensure he never ran out.
His love for birdwatching illuminated his life, and he could often be found immersed in the beauty of local ponds and lakes, observing his feathered friends. Alan's passion was evident in the pair of binoculars that never left his side, always tucked away in his car, ready for spontaneous birding adventures. His collection of bird books, too numerous to count, reflected his commitment to understanding birds. He found joy in identifying the birds that frequented his backyard, a haven adorned with multiple bird feeders that attracted a colorful array of winged visitors. His favorite was the hummingbird.
Alan's enthusiasm for World War II extended beyond mere interest; it became a cherished part of his identity. He delighted in engaging in discussions about all things military-related.
He was a volunteer fireman at South Wall Fire Department for over twenty years, and there was a plectron in the home where we were able to listen to the fire calls at all hours of the day or night.
He loved his church community and was a member of the Manasquan First Presbyterian Church. Alan's dedication went beyond attendance; he actively participated in the church's vibrant spirit, finding joy in singing with the choir. His commitment to the church extended to the warm embrace he offered to fellow members, as he relished the opportunity to meet and greet everyone, fostering a sense of unity and fellowship.
When his sons were young, he taught them how to body surf at Sea Girt, NJ beach. He loved walking the boardwalk and smelling the ocean air where he would stop and talk to people, he didn't know, as if he were running for mayor. As children, we would playfully roll our eyes at his sociable nature, knowing that a brief greeting from Alan often evolved into a delightful 15-minute exchange. His ability to connect with others, even those he had just met, reflected his warm and open-hearted spirit. One of his favorite rituals was to eat lunch on a bench, basking in the sun's embrace and relishing the warmth it bestowed upon his face. In these moments, Alan found contentment in the simple act of enjoying a meal amid the beauty of the outdoors. He always enjoyed having a beer with his boys, although we were never able to convert him to enjoy India Pale Ales (IPA).
Alan was a devoted sports enthusiast whose heart beat in rhythm with the New York Giants, New York Rangers, and the New York Mets. Alan was a true aficionado, finding joy and solace in the victories and defeats of these iconic teams.
He is survived by his cherished wife, Jeanne, of 64 years, his four sons, Victor Gregory and his wife Michelle, Andrew and his wife Robin, Franke and Paul and his wife Mary Pat. He is also survived by two grandsons, Andrew and Brian. He will be remembered for his commitment and love for his wife and family.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Orender Family Home, 2643 Old Bridge Rd., Manasquan, NJ 08736 on Thursday, January 11th from 2 - 5pm with a prayer service at 4:30pm. A burial will take place at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ, at a later date.