Sep 14, 2022

Van Wolfe, 80, of North Strabane, peacefully passed away at home with family by his side on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

Born on March 10, 1942, he was the son of the late Catherine and Van Wolfe Sr.

He was the beloved husband of Vivienne for 57 years; loving father of Ryan (Ann Marie) Wolfe, Shannon (Scot) Lorenzi and Erin (Rick) Goeckeler; Pappy of Lauren, Ava, Toby, Carter, Reagan and Nathan; dear brother of Julianne Mark (LuAnne); and brother-in-law of Beverly Zorek and the late Barbara Sterner.

Van was a graduate of California University and the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned degrees in education and art. His love of art led him to a successful business of flower arranging. In addition, Van was a teacher for 38 years at McGuffey School District and volunteered for extracurricular activities, including marching band, basketball boosters, Prom Committee advisor, and chaperoning ski trips. He coordinated the Adult Education Program and taught GED classes for many years.

Van was a member of the Crossroads Church of Christ and served as an elder for 26 years. He taught Sunday school classes, planned fellowship activities and was the congregation’s treasurer. Music was a large part of his life and he could be heard on Sunday mornings enthusiastically singing acapella hymns with the congregation. Saturday mornings always found him volunteering at the Finleyville Food Pantry.

Van enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, visiting his favorite destinations of Alaska, Dubai, Africa, Moscow and Scandinavia. He and Vivienne were frequent visitors to the US National Parks and have visited 49 states. Every summer, the family of 14, including his wife, kids, spouses, and grandkids enjoyed a beach vacation together in the Caribbean or U.S. Van also looked forward to his monthly lunches with fellow teachers and friends. He enjoyed playing cards and game nights with good friends Pam and John Tomay.

Above all, Van was a man who loved God, adored his family, and was willing to share his time, resources, and life with everyone he met.

Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022, at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road., McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Crossroads Church of Christ, 236 Thomas Road., McMurray, PA 15317. Everyone please meet at the church for the service. Internment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Finleyville Food Pantry, 3595 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, PA 15332.