Obituary of Jonas Wolff

Wolff, Jonas NISKAYUNA — Jonas Wolff, one of the few survivors of a large, extended family in Nazi Germany, lived throughout his life with compassion for all people. He died on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, after a long illness, at the age of 94. Born on February 11, 1921 in Mannheim, Germany, he was the only child of Baruch and Mina Wolff, who perished in the Holocaust, as did the majority of his relatives. Early in his childhood, when Germany was still a democratic society, Jonas enjoyed normal activities and friendships including innocent boyhood mischief as well as receiving a rich,classical education. He was a deeply devoted son, learning practical and academic skills from both his parents. Later, as Nazi power took hold, he endured significant privation, persecution, and forced labor under the regime. At the age of of 18, three days before World War II began in 1939, he fled Germany bound for England, bidding farewell to his parents forever. He found haven in Britain, initially serving eight months in an internment camp. While there, waiting for the government to "clear him" as a friendly alien, he began learning English, and luckily landed a scarce job on the compound -- cooking with wartime rations for housemates. Once cleared he relocated to Liverpool, then Manchester, finding employment using his already well-developed tool-and-die skills to further the war effort in the manufacture of airplanes for the Royal Air Force. Eager to continue his education, he earned a mechanical engineering degree at the Royal Technical Institute, Salford (now the University of Salford). It was during this time he met his future wife, Ilse Tuteur, also a refugee from Germany. They were married in July 1945, in a Jewish ceremony held in a Quaker meeting house in Wilmslow. The young couple immigrated to the USA in 1947, reuniting with Ilse's parents -- ultimately, moving to Schenectady and later, Niskayuna.New York Jonas earned a second mechanical engineering degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, spending much of his career as an engineering project manager with General Electric in Schenectady, specializing in design and installation of large electrical power utilities internationally -- on every continent except Antarctica. He also worked for two years developing cryogenic transport systems during the early years of the American rocket program. Jonas declined relocation offers to other states, including the opportunity to remain in the space industry, stating that he had moved enough in his life, and that he felt it was a higher priority to maintain a stable environment in New York State, where he and Ilse had established their family. He taught religious school at Temple Gates of Heaven in Schenectady, where his family have been members for 60 years. He was an avid scholar of religious history and of world events. A lover of classical music and opera, he was a violinist and later took up the cello. After retirement, Jonas and Ilse loved traveling, particularly to England and Cape Cod. He enjoyed building furniture, fountains, and extraordinary dollhouses (one for each of his grandchildren) always maintaining his meticulous and artful style. Though experiencing the worst of life's cruelties and oppressions, Jonas always recognized that he had also experienced the best of humanity, and was ever gratefully aware of the "gift of life" he received when leaving behind his boyhood home. This outlook sustained him throughout life, and he supported national and international causes for religious and personal freedom and marginalized people until the day he died. Jonas led by example, possessing a deep understanding of the human condition, kindly listening to others and, when asked, providing guidance without judgment. He chose his words carefully, and it was always worthwhile to listen carefully to what he had to say. He was blessed with a brilliant mind, an indomitable spirit, and a prodigious work ethic. He was a person of enormous depth, wisdom, and warmth -- maintaining his sharp intellect, his wry sense of humor, and his loving spirit to the very end. As noted above, he was predeceased by his parents, the tragic loss of whom he continued to mourn throughout his life; and also by his beloved wife of 66 years, Ilse, who passed away in 2011. He is also survived by three adoring children, Dr. Anthony Wolff (Margaret)of Annapolis, Maryland, Dr. Michael Wolff (Linda)of Castleton,New York and Carol Miriam Wolff of Charlton, New York;five loving grandchildren, Leah Wolff-Pellingra( David) , Benjamin Wolff, Aaron Wolff (Jana),Eve Wolftrand(Michael) and Theodore Wolff;and two cherished great granddaughters, Naomi and Dina Wolff- Pellingra. Collectively, these generations affirmed to him his resilence, and he rejoiced in them. He also leaves several nieces , nephews and cousins, and a host of friends. He will be missed by all. Services will be held at Congregation Gates of Heaven, Ashmore Avenue, Schenectady, at 11 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2015. The family will be in mourning on Monday and Tuesday evenings at the family home, 2223 Crescent Road, Niskayuna. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation Gates of Heaven, the Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern New York, or the charity of one's choice.