Joseph Wolf
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 Township 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.
11 Comments
You were one of the greats, Joe. Thanks for being part of lots of fun (and very funny) memories. You will be truly missed.
We are so heartbroken. We are really going to miss Joe. He was one of the smartest, funniest guys I’ve ever known, and he always looked out for me. I’ll miss the ridiculous football bets—loser always had to do something stupid, and somehow Joe always came out on top. We didn’t serve in the Coast Guard at the same time, but that shared bond meant a lot and it gave us an instant connection and ample opportunities to share stories. I looked up to him a lot. He made a real impact on my life, and I’ll always be grateful for our friendship. Sending love and prayers to Christine, Dakota and his family.
Our love, sympathy, and God’s comfort go out to all the Wolf family❣️🙏
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was one of a kind and will be missed. I have many memories of our high school days together. There was nothing Joe couldn’t do when he set his mind on it. Talented, determined, witty and never predictable. Rest in peace, my friend.
I remember Joe as a tough, strong leader. He will be missed by many!!!
Joe was a great source of information on any topic. I learned so much about watches from Joe. He was a pleasure to have on our WZ team the last 7 years. His contributions to WZ and all Interviewers around the globe will be felt for years to come. Thank you Joe for all you did to push WZ, and more importantly for your sense of humor that was enjoyed by everyone.
Jane an I send our love and prayers to you.
Brian Sallee
You were such a great couple and Christine’s glowed with love and happiness whenever you were around. I know there were so many more things you wanted to do but you lived life to the fullest. I will do my best to be a support for Christine. Rest in Peace my friend.
Rest in peace, Joe. It was both an honor and a pleasure to know you and work with you.
Christine, I was shocked and saddened to learn of your husband’s passing. While I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing or working with Joe, I have no doubt that we would have become fast friends. His interests in providing training to law enforcment mirror mine and I’m sure we would have had alot in common to talk about. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
One of few…
Better, both professionally and personally, having been around Joe these last seven years. No one brought more to the table. What will remain is the sharing of sense of humor, the mentorship, the unflinching honesty, and the hugs. Grateful for each brother….