Dr. Harvey Wolfe
April 14, 1938 - September 2, 2026

DR. HARVEY WOLFE: April 14, 1938 - September 2, 2026. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in his home on September 2, 2026.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Harvey attended Baltimore City College before earning his B.E.S. in Industrial Engineering, M.S.E. in Operations Research, and Ph.D. in Operations Research from Johns Hopkins University.

In 1964, Harvey joined the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh, beginning a career that would span five decades. A professor of Industrial Engineering and department chair from 1985 to 2000, Harvey was an early leader in health-systems engineering, applying engineering principles to improve health care delivery. He co-authored three books, mentored generations of students, served as President of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, and received the Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Industrial Engineering Award, the highest honor bestowed by his profession.

For all his professional accomplishments, family remained at the center of Harvey's life. He married Elaine Gail (Roffman) Wolfe on September 13, 1959, beginning a partnership that lasted more than 65 years until her death in 2025. Together they raised four children, Dr. Andrew (Roni) Wolfe, Bonnie (Ted) Bloom, Rabbi Stephanie Wolfe, and Shoshanah (Brian) Drake, and were blessed with five grandchildren, Kira, Molly, Trevor, Sarah, and Paige. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Gail Wolfe, and was preceded in death by his brother, Alan Wolfe.

Temple David was an important part of Harvey's life for more than 60 years. He served the congregation in numerous leadership roles, including president, financial secretary, comptroller, and financial vice president, and chaired two rabbinic search committees. He also devoted countless hours to strengthening the congregation's financial stability and planning for its future. Whether offering his leadership and expertise or putting his woodworking skills to use on projects throughout the building, Harvey remained deeply committed to Temple David throughout his life.

Harvey was a problem-solver, a lifelong learner, and a teacher far beyond the classroom. He believed deeply in education, mentoring, hard work, and learning from failure, and took great satisfaction in helping others succeed. His curiosity, humor, wisdom, and love for his family will live on in the many lives he touched.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 2:30 PM. Visitation one hour prior to service (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM). Interment Temple Sinai Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harvey and Elaine Wolfe Rabbinic Chair Endowment at Temple David, 4415 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146, or to the Albert G. Holzman Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Industrial Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. www.schugar.com

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