Gary Allen Wolfe

Gary Allen Wolfe, passed away peacefully in Johnson City, Tennessee on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the age of 82, after a brief physical illness. He was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren during his last days.

Born on January 24th, 1944, in Butler, Pennsylvania, he was the fourth of five children with three older brothers and one younger sister. He lived a long and productive life and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Gary grew up and attended High School in Butler, PA, where he met his future spouse Betty in German Class. He studied Civil Engineering at Penn State, graduating in 1965. After marrying Betty in 1966, they made a home together in Beaver Pennsylvania, where they lived for many years and raised their three children. He had a long and dedicated career in Civil Engineering, working on many interesting projects throughout the Pittsburgh area and later in other parts of the country. One of his first jobs was to help build Interstate-80 in northern PA. Later, he greatly enjoyed traveling to Point Barrow, Alaska where he designed water and sewer systems to serve the Native American community. After moving to Northern Virginia in 1985, he continued his engineering career for many years throughout the 80’s and 90s, retiring in 2004. His primary love in Civil Engineering was water projects; he couldn’t seem to get enough of watching water in motion.

Throughout his life Gary loved working on all manner of home projects, from initial design and construction, to brick-laying, building decks and sheds, planting trees and landscaping the yard. He enjoyed singing in church choirs for many years in PA, VA and finally in TN, where he and Betty settled after retirement to be close to the grandchildren. He loved cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State football teams, frequently listening to games while working on the house or in the yard. He loved the outdoors, whether biking or running to visit Betty in the early years, or camping, canoeing and teaching the kids to ice skate and ski. In later years he loved hiking with family, especially along lakes and streams where he could watch and listen to the water.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Betty L. Wolfe, his children, Paula (Wes McConnell) S. Cahill, Marnie (Malcolm) R. McGaughy, and Ted (Lisa) M. Wolfe. Gary is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Theresa (Jay Velasco) Cahill, Samantha (Owen) Barbour, Allison Cahill, Jamie Cahill, Aidan McGaughy, Isla McGaughy, Dawson Wolfe and Mia Wolfe; and his great grandson, Colin Barbour. He is also survived by his sister Carol Wolfe Blaine and sister-in-law, Carole Williams Wolfe, as well as extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Orline Wolfe, and his brothers, Robert, Lavern and Donald Wolfe.

Gary was a member of the St. Dominic’s parish in Kingsport. TN. A visitation for family and friends is scheduled from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at St. Dominic's Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass for Gary will begin at 12:00pm, following the visitation. Fr. Anselm Edu will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made in his name to St. Vincent de Paul Society or Habitat for Humanity, if desired.

Memories and condolence may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Gary Wolfe. 423-282-1521.