CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Joseph Wolf

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” T. Wolf on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the age of 69 after a valiant fight with cancer. Those who knew him knew his quick wit, humor, grit, and infectious personality.

Joe was a graduate of Burlington City High School in NJ, received his undergraduate degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu, and a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Joe is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program.

Joe began his career as an investigator in the Coast Guard, where he retired as a Lieutenant. After considering a career in local law enforcement, he was hired by the U.S. Customs Service as an agent, which later became part of the Department of Homeland Security. He served as an investigator and retired as the Assistant Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Academy. Although he “retired” twice, he never shook the desire to be involved with a local law enforcement agency. The Albuquerque Police Department hired him as their first-ever civilian Academy Director in 2011, where he met the love of his life, Christine Frank. After leaving APD, Joe joined the faculty of Central New Mexico Community College. Shortly thereafter, Joe and Christine moved to Virginia to support her post-law enforcement career.

While in Virginia and before he lost the ability to speak traditionally, he volunteered as a docent at the United States Army Museum in Quantico, Virginia. For the last seven years, he worked for Wicklander-Zulawski (W-Z) as a trainer, professional standards coordinator, and senior academic advisor. He continued this work until right before his passing. One of his most significant accomplishments at W-Z was revamping their CFI prep course, which he completed in the weeks leading up to his passing.

Joe was an avid reader, which made him well-versed in both useful and useless facts. His favorite pastimes were cooking, playing golf, riding motorcycles, and “watch collecting”. He learned to make fresh pasta, marinara sauce, and gnocchi from Italian Nonna’s during a trip to Italy. His watch collection was sizeable, and his love for their intricate movements was evident to all who knew him. A picture of Christine and Joe (and their watches) was recently featured in Watch Time Magazine. He was endlessly trying to master golf skills and even did a stint working at a golf course between surgeries. Joe loved cars, watching F1, and rewatching Ford v Ferrari in his final days. He cherished his friends, and his signature snark brought laughter and unforgettable moments to those lucky enough to know him well. Joe loved his family and was a father to two children, of whom he was very proud.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Frank; his son, Lorne Wolf; his daughter, Vienna Wolf; and his sister, Joanne Wolf. He is predeceased by his brother Frank Wolf.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Coast Guard Foundation in Joe’s honor.

Come celebrate 69 great years Friday July 25, 9-10 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside where there will be a 10 a.m. service. For those unable to attend in person there will be a zoom option: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85936228864