Thomas Anthony Wolff

Tom Wolff passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 2, 2024, shortly after a fall from his horse in the mountains near his home.

Tom was born April 26, 1951, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Louis F. Wolff and Loveretta A. (Boccia) Wolff. Tom spent his early life in several states on the East coast and in Italy, wherever his father's Navy assignments took the family. Tom's first language was Italian, mastering it before the rest of the family. When his dad was stricken with polio, he and his two older sisters lived with grandparents in Michigan. After his father retired from the navy, two more sisters came along as the family moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, then Laramie, then St. Claire Shores, Michigan, finally setting down roots in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he attended J. E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic school, Judge Memorial Catholic High School, and the University of Utah.

Tom's first jobs, during high school, were scooping ice cream at Fendall's Ice Cream Parlor and spending his summers in Wyoming working with his uncles and cousins on their ranches. His experience on the ranches led to his love of the rugged ranch life and his eventual passion for riding horses, rodeo team penning where he won numerous awards, and his participation in the cattle roundups where he formed lasting friendships. Over the years, his values of hard work, personal responsibility, and the absolute importance of honesty in all matters became even more important to him.

After his formal education, Tom began his career as an employee in the contracting world, and then as an independent contractor where he became the owner and guiding force behind his company, Wolff Excavating, Inc. in Salt Lake City, for the rest of his life. As a successful business owner, he, along with his loyal, hard-working employees, not only made a mark by contributing to many projects throughout Utah and the Intermountain West, but also established a respected reputation, and made lifelong friendships and associations.

Those who truly knew Tom realized that beneath his crusty exterior there was the biggest, softest heart. He always felt there was more to learn, more to desire; there were more friends to love, more family to hold close, and definitely more trails to ride. Tom will be sorely missed.

Thank you to the Park City EMTs, to the University of Utah AirMed team and hospital personnel who did their best for Tom. A special thank you to Neal and Janelle who helped Tom, comforted him, and went the extra mile to care for him and the animals through it all. Thank you to Neal, Jenny, Chris and Susan who were able to be nearby at the end. Extra thanks to Sandy, Perri, Steve, Travis and all the others who are keeping the wheels turning at Wolff Excavating, Inc. and have stepped up to help Tom's family. Thank you to the Silver Creek neighbors who are caring for Tom's animal family. Thank you all for reaching out to us in thought, word, or deed.

Along with the visible and invisible results of many earth-altering projects, Tom is survived by his sisters: Loretta (Arnie) Soloff, Patricia (Michael) Maggio, Trella (Steve) Jensen, and Jennifer Wolff; his beloved stepchildren: Adam and Alexandria Weaver; his nieces and nephews: Sarah Maggio, Bianca (Joe Plotts) Maggio, Dan (Trisha) Jensen, Katie Jensen, Winona Wolff Wood, Shaelin Wolff Wood, and Robert (Vaedra) Hall; great nephew, Isaac and great nieces, Sofia, Rylee and Cheyenne; his very special animal family: Carl, Tango, and Lucy. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew Dallin Wolff Wood.

A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Larkin Mortuary downtown, 260 E. South Temple from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in Salt Lake City, Utah. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wasatch Academy in memory of Tom Wolff. Donations can be made online at https://www.wasatchacademy.org/make-a-gift or mailed to 120 South 100 West, Mt. Pleasant, Utah 84647. Donations will go toward the equestrian program that Tom supported.

For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the "Watch Services" link above.