Msgr. Robert C. Wolff, pastor emeritus of Guardian Angels Parish in Copley, died on Nov. 14 at age 95.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated when the coronavirus pandemic subsides and a private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland.
Msgr. Wolf was born to the late Peter and Rose (Gorris) Wolff on Aug. 6, 1925. He was educated at Our Lady of Peace School and Cathedral Latin High School in Cleveland, as well as Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, and Saint Mary Seminary in Cleveland. Archbishop Edward F. Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on April 29, 1950 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
Father Wolff’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of St. Stephen Parish in Cleveland. He was assigned on Sept. 17, 1953 to serve on the faculty of Borromeo College Seminary in Wickliffe as a full-time professor, and on July 28, 1961, Father Wolff was named rector of Borromeo College Seminary and president of the board of trustees.
He was appointed domestic prelate with the title of monsignor in 1962 by Pope John XXIII.
On Oct. 2, 1972, Msgr. Wolff was named pastor of St. Angela Merici Parish in Fairview Park. During that assignment, he served as dean and consultor 1979-1983 and pastor consultor 1987-1992.
Msgr. Wolf was named administrator pro tem of Guardian Angels Parish in Copley on Sept. 30, 1988, and on Jan 2, 1989, he was named pastor. When he retired on Aug, 6, 1995, Msgr. Wolff was named pastor emeritus of Guardian Angels Parish.
During his retirement, Msgr. Wolff was appointed administrator pro tem of Immaculate Conception Parish in Akron in 1997 and he served as administrator pro tem of St. Eugene Parish in Cuyahoga Falls from April 28, 1999 to Aug. 24, 1999.
Those who knew him said his work in seminary formation, his great concern and love for the poor, his gentle smile and his love for the priesthood will be missed.