Edward Joseph Wolff

Born to Victoria and Joseph Wolff, Victoria, a crossword puzzle whiz and Joseph, Building Commissioner for the city of Detroit through six mayors , Edward learned the value of hard work and good and appropriate written and spoken English from his parents. At an early age Edward came to terms with his physical limitations which forbad his participation in Boy Scouts, but he was determined to excel in golf. In De La Salle high school he was chosen as the captain of the golf team. He excelled in the classroom as well. From the University of Detroit, he earned Bachelor of Philosophy and Master's Degrees in English, and at Michigan State University a Ph.D. in Medieval English Literature.

Dr. Edward Wolff had a long and storied career at the University of Detroit as a scholar and as a teacher. After he graduated he joined the University as a Graduate Assistant and part-time Instructor; then he became a full-time Instructor; and finally an Assistant Professor, an Associate Professor, and a full Professor.

For 36 years Edward directed with his wife and partner a group of students to summer studies at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University. There he taught Chaucer’s works, and drama in performance. Anyone who has been in his class in Oxford when he discussed Shakespeare or Pinter or the whole range of modern British theatre has had a genuine respect for Edward as a scholar. His 55 years in academics was comprehensive and extensive.

Yet, while he was a scholar, he cared as much about his students as his academic study. He was one of the best teachers of freshman writing, creative writing and introducing students to the forms and methodologies of basic literary study. He created an undergraduate seminar for senior English majors to help prepare them not only for the graduate school, but also for careers after graduation. Ed formed the U. of D. Honors group and became its Director; he created the post of Student Dean of honors. As Director of International Education, Edward travelled the world. He attended conferences and seminars in Europe, Japan, Singapore, China, Australia, New Zealand, and South America.

For the totality of his work, Ed was nominated and approved and conferred the title of Professor Emeritus by Sr. Maureen A. Fay, O.P., Ph.D., President, University of Detroit Mercy on April 13, 2004.

While Ed’s contributions in the academic arena were remarkable, his most profound work was done at home. Already the father of one son, Joseph Wolff, in 1973 Ed met and married Margaret Pigott and together they raised four children. Ed was known at home as much for his morning breakfast of pancakes or French toast as he was for his academic scholarship. He not only taught students at the University of Detroit, but he also worked through algebra, chemistry, physics, and history homework with his kids. He was present at every event in his kids' lives and he earned the moniker of Dad not only from his biological son, but his stepchildren as well.

Above all Ed was a Detroiter, a fan of all the Detroit professional sports teams, following their progress whether he was at home or on world travels with his wife of nearly 50 years, Margaret. Edward was a man of wit and charm, generous in all his dealings. He lived a long and graceful life.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, and loved by his children, Joseph Wolff, Bruno Pigott, Mary Farley (Mike), Joseph Pigott, Kate Stentebjerg Olesen (Jacob), and eight grandchildren.

The Wake will be on Tuesday, September 28 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, with a Scripture Svs at 7:15 pm at Pixley Funeral home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307. A Requiem Mass will be held at St. Irenaeus Church, 771 Old Perch Rd, Rochester Hills at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 29 with instate beginning at 10:30 am. In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed's memory would be appreciated to the Nature Conservancy, 101 E. César Chávez Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.