Songwriter and musician, longtime resident of Haddonfield, passed away at 91
Richard W. Wolf, Sr., formerly of Haddonfield, passed away on Feb. 15, at the age of 91. He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia (nee Jackson), devoted father of Rick and Elisabeth Wolf, loving grandfather of Lila and Nina Wolf, cherished brother of George Wolf and dear father-in-law of Joan Wolf.
Richard, who resided in Haddon Township, but who had also previously lived in Bucks County, Pa. and Naples, Fla., was a well-known musician, song writer and musical arranger of songs from the 1950s through the 1970s. His most notable work includes the arrangement of the song “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” Richard also wrote and arranged musical scores for Nat King Cole, including “Welcome To The Club” and “Got a Match.” He was nominated for a pair of Grammy Awards, one in 1969 and again in 1971 for his Children’s Chorus, including the hit song “Rubber Ducky.”
Richard also directed the Harlem Children’s Chorus in the 1960s and 1970s and was Arthur Godfrey’s business partner and musical arranger in the late 1960s.
Services for Richard were held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the Sacred Heart Church, 1739 Ferry Ave, Camden, N.J. 08104.
