Charles F. Wolff was a long-time Kenmore resident and former employee of the Village, who always gave of his time and resources to help children, especially the mentally and physically disabled. Charles Wolff died April 27, 1999, at the age of 85.

Charlie Wolff was an honorary director of the Parents Council for Retarded Children, leading its fundraising efforts. During the time he worked with the Council, he raised more than $1 million. Charlie Wolff was always willing to step in wherever he was needed - whether it was playing Santa Claus during the holiday season (which he did for more than 60 years), or a clown for other festivities. In 1988, the Town of Tonawanda Youth Board honored Mr. Wolff with the Robert Swift Award for his volunteer work with youth in Kenmore / Town of Tonawanda.The Village of Kenmore also honored him as Citizen of the Year in 1985. Other honors received were Town of Tonawanda Community Service Award in 1987; the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest recognition from the Kenmore Lions Club; and the Rotary Club of Kenmore awarded him the Paul Harris Award in 1998.

He worked for the Village of Kenmore from 1937 to 1943, when he took a hiatus to join the Marine Corps. He served with the Marines in the South Pacific throughout World War II. After his discharge he returned to the Village in the position of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works. Charlie Wolff was named Superintendent in 1960, and retired in 1971.

When he wasn't working for children, he was practicing the shooting skills he learned during his time in the Marines. He served as President of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association and the Niagara Frontier Pistol League, and gave frequent shooting demonstrations and lectures on firearm safety, often serving as a referee for tournaments in Western New York and across the country. He held numerous local, state and National honors for sharpshooting, and held the singles and team records at the Marine Corps Parris Island Training Base.

His volunteer activities included serving as past President of the Kenmore Lions Club, as past Chief of the Kenmore Volunteer Fire Department, and as President of the Fire Department's Benevolent Association. He was a member of the Harry Crosby Post 2471, Veterans of Foreign Wars, for more than 50 years. He was a member of Master Builders Lodge 911, F&AM, the Buffalo Consistory, and Ismailia Temple.

Throughout his life, Charlie and his wife Eileen, were residents of Kenmore.

Click on the links below to print out applications:
- Charlie Wolff Grant Application
- Elsie Jepson Grant Application
- Career / Tech Award Application
- Community Funding Grant Application

Return to Grants page . . .