Photo from the Apalachin Firemen’s Field Day Parade in June of 2000. Walt Pianosi and Ken Wolff were Grand Marshalls of the parade. Both were retiring as Tioga County Fire Coordinators that year, Kenny as coordinator, Walt as his deputy after 25 years of faithful service. Pictured are Walt, Patrick Gavin, Kenny, brother Tim Gavin and brother Danny Gavin. (Photo provided by Patrick Gavin).
Kenneth G. Wolff, Sr., 92, of Owego passed away on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at home. Ken was predeceased by his parents, George and Clara Wolff; sister, Virginia Anderson; brother, Lowell Wolff. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeana Wolff; two sons, Edgar “Skip” Wolff, Kenneth Wolff, Jr.; five grandchildren, Michael D. Wolff, Matthew Wolff, Joanna Olivera, Michael G. Wolff, Whitney Wolff; several great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
Ken was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during WWII. Ken loved Owego and was very community minded. He retired from IBM after 30 years of service, he later worked for State Line Auto, Fire Coordinator for Tioga County, and the Tioga County Veteran’s Administration.
Ken was past fire chief of the Owego Fire Department, Chairman of the Tioga County Republican Party, member of the American Legion Post #401 and the VFW Post #1371.
Funeral services will be held privately. Memorial Contributions may be made in Kenneth G. Wolff, Sr.’s memory to the Owego Fire/Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 22, Owego, N.Y. 13827 or the Smithboro United Methodist Church, 21 Church St., Smithboro, N.Y. 13840. Condolences may be made to Ken’s family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.
The following tribute to Kenneth Wolff was submitted by Patrick Gavin.
Very saddened to learn of the passing of another Owego icon, Ken Wolff, Sr. Kenny was past Owego Fire Chief, serving as chief during several North Avenue block fires, 25 year Tioga County Fire Coordinator, lifelong member of Croton Hose Co. #3 and longtime driver for the Owego Emergency Squad. Grandpa Walt served as his deputy fire chief and deputy fire coordinator.
Kenny and Walt handled the fire coordinating duties in the county themselves for all those years unlike the seven coordinators on the county tab now. They were a unifying unit in the county fire service with a purpose. Ken was the driving force in the implementation of the 911 system in the county. It is hard to believe just a short time ago one had to dial 687-1313 for an emergency. Despite opposition from those who thought 911 was too costly, Ken Wolff made it happen in Tioga County.
When the Mission burned across the street from Central Station Kenny was on his way to a meeting in Poughkeepsie for IBM. Upon arrival at his hotel the attendant said, “Oh yes, Chief Wolff, we have an emergency message for you to call Owego immediately.” Someone had left a message about the fire at the hotel.
Kenny called Central Station and asked to speak with Walt. After a long wait Walt got on the line and Kenny asked what was going on. Walt responded in his ever so genuine way, “I’m burning the [expletive removed] town down.” Kenny remarked, “Well have at it,” and hung up. An ace pair and working partnership like no other.
Kenny was the cook at #3’s annual clambake, the voice that led us in prayer at #3’s annual banquet. He commanded respect and was given it because not only was he part of America’s “Greatest Generation” he defined what it meant by the way he lived and carried himself: hardworking, honest, no nonsense. I will forever be in his debt for his friendship and leadership. He was one of the great ones.
