Deceased April 4, 2017

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In Memory

Air Force veteran, business success, philanthropist and family man, L. Richard Wolff, 82, of Metuchen, N.J., died April 4, 2017. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Elkins Park, Pa., he lived several years in New York City but spent most of his adult life in Metuchen.

Dick was the co-founder/owner/operator of RPJ Sportswear. He created several successful, well-respected brands of large-size women’s clothing, including Topnotch Sportswear.

After graduating from Amherst, he joined the Air Force as an officer, became a pilot and served in intelligence while stationed in Morocco. Flying small planes remained an avocation he enjoyed for many years.

Among his many philanthropic endeavors, he was a founding member and builder of Temple Emanu-El in Edison and served as president of the Jewish Federation of Middlesex County from 2003 to 2005.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nickie (Shirley); three daughters, Jamie Wolff, Lisa Hyman and Cynthia Wolff; a son, Adam Wolff; and six grandchildren.

In his own words at the time of our 50th reunion, Dick looked back: “Early on I became aware that Amherst had a pervasive effect on me and my life. The ability to face challenges with a confident, positive attitude; to appreciate excellence wherever it was found; to not be distracted by success any more than failure: these were values learned at the College. It was at class reunions over the years where I came to realize what a special group of men Dean Gene had fashioned.”

Peter Levison ’56