Tribute Wall
Sunday
17
November
Visitation at Funeral Home
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, New York, United States
Sunday
17
November
Visitation at Funeral Home
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, New York, United States
Monday
18
November
Visitation at Funeral Home
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Monday, November 18, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, New York, United States
Monday
18
November
Funeral Service
9:00 am
Monday, November 18, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, New York, United States
Final Resting Place
Pinelawn Memorial Park
Pinelawn Road
Pinelawn, New York, United States
Obituary
Wolfgang grew up in Goppingen, Germany in the 1930's-40's. He survived WW2 living with his Opa after losing both parents under tragic circumstances. After WW2 he came to America on a freight boat, went through Ellis Island and went to live with his Uncle Ludwig and his family in Queens, NY.
He was an exceptional athlete despite growing up with club feet. In Germany, at age 14 he was a top Team Handball player at Frisch auf Goppingen. His only regret coming to America was that he missed being a part of that team that won the European Championship. In NY he went to Newtown High School and was a member of the soccer, track (pole vault) and gymnastics teams. His soccer teammate at Newtown encouraged him to join his German-American soccer team S.C. Eintracht Astoria and the rest is history. He excelled as a goalie and was on the team that won the 1955 U.S. Amateur Championship. After a knee injury, he had to stop playing, but started coaching--first men's teams and then started a strong boys youth soccer program. Many of his players went on to make college team and/or become soccer coaches themselves. He was very instrumental in keeping youth soccer alive in the New York Metro area and he was loved by many in New York soccer circles with many lifelong friendships. He was also Vice President and President of S.C. Eintracht Astoria for many years.
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Wolfgang was an excellent tool and die maker and worked many years mostly for Bulova Watch Company in their defense work for the U.S. government. He worked on key weaponry for the Vietnam War and was loved and respected by his fellow co-workers and Defense Dept. Engineers.
After meeting on a double date, Wolfgang married the love of his life Marion in 1958 and they were married for 64 beautiful years. They were very active and kind and caring to all, bringing gifts to sick children each year at St. John's Hospital, helping neighbors, supporting their children in sports at the Flushing YMCA or soccer at S.C. Eintracht, supporting members at St. Jacobus Lutheran Church. Wolfgang loved to travel and go on road trips and there were many beautiful vacation trips with Marion and his children. He got to visit Germany again at least 3 times since he left and kept in touch with all his Frisch auf Goppingen friends and relatives through the years. Since Marion passed, he did his best to live on and was loved by aides and fellow residents at Village Green assisted living facility. He was a loving and caring Father and Opa to his 4 children, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is survived by them and his cousin Irene who was like a sister to him. Now he is with Marion and at peace. So many loved him and will miss him. He was a true legend.
West Islip
1225 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, NY 11795
(631) 661-5644
East Islip
200 East Main St
East Islip, NY 11730
(631) 581-5600
Bethpage
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, NY 11714
(516) 731-5600