Alan E. Wolfe

Alan E. Wolfe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and well-known member of the South Florida music and civic communities, passed away on August 26, 2026. Born in Miami, Florida, in 1946, Alan lived a remarkably diverse life defined by his passion for music, dedication to public service, and love for his family.

A Lifetime of Music and Education

Alan’s lifelong musical journey began in earnest at the University of Miami School of Music, which he attended on a Fillmore scholarship. An accomplished trumpet and flugelhorn player, his distinguished career spanned decades and genres. During the 1970s, he lent his talents to the recording industry, playing trumpet on tracks for iconic artists including The Stylistics, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Dan Fogelberg, The Buckinghams, Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Riders, and Gloria Estefan.

For over four decades, Alan was a vital fixture of the Greater Miami Symphonic Band (GMSB), where he served as principal trumpet and remained an active performer. His leadership in the local music scene extended to co-founding Miami’s Top Brass and performing with the GMSB Big Swing Band. Together with his beloved wife, Susie Blank Wolfe, he meticulously handled the video and audio editing for over 95 of the band's live concert YouTube videos, preserving their musical legacy for future generations.

As an educator, Alan inspired countless young musicians during his career as a music teacher and band director with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. He combined his professional skills and personal interests to enrich the lives of his students, even founding an Amateur Radio Club at Royal Palm Elementary School.

Commitment to Public Service and Community

Alan’s dedication to protecting and helping others was evident in his varied public service roles. In the 1970s, he served his community on the streets as a police officer with the South Miami Police Department.

An avid amateur radio operator with the call sign WB4L, Alan turned his hobby into a vital public service. For over 25 years, he served as part of the Emergency Communications Team at the National Hurricane Center, providing critical communication links during some of South Florida's most severe weather crises.

Creative Pursuits and Local Culture

Alan’s vibrant personality and talents also found a home in front of and behind the camera. He worked in television, film, and stock photography as a background actor and model. Channeling his creative drive, Alan became the creator, producer, and host of Snapshot, a television series that produced over 105 episodes over a five-year run.

A true Miamian, Alan spoke fluent (he would say sloppy) Spanish and possessed a deep love for Cuban food. He will be remembered for his warmth, his glorious golden trumpet sound, unwavering commitment to service, and the lasting impact he made on his students, fellow musicians, friends, and family.

Legacy

Alan is survived by his wife, Susie Blank Wolfe, his brother Stephen Wolfe (Bonnie), first wife Margaret "Peggy" Wolfe, his son Martin (Lisa), his daughter Felisa (Jonathan), grandchildren Noah, Ashley, Gabriel and Rafael, all of whom carry forward his legacy of kindness, creativity, and community spirit.

A Funeral Service will be held at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo (Kendall), 5900 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33143, US, on August 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Contributions in honor of Alan E. Wolfe can be made to the Greater Miami Symphonic Band at www.gmsb.org