Dentist Benjamin Wolfer dies at 89

Dr. Benjamin Wolfer, a longtime resident of Kings Point who had a dental practice in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, died after a long illness Aug. 28 at his home in Baltimore. He was 89.

Wolfer was an avid boater, fisherman, stamp collector and hobbyist and was a member of the Kings Point Yacht Club, where he berthed a succession of powerboats until he retired to Baltimore in 1994. He also was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

He used to build large model boats and large model airplanes that he flew, his family said.

"He instilled in his children and his grandchildren his passions and his pride," said his daughter, Randal Wolfer Williams of Huntington. "We'll always cherish the time we had with him."

Wolfer, who was born in Brooklyn, received an undergraduate degree from New York University and a dental degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. He enlisted in the Army during World War II and was called up during the Korean War.

Wolfer and his wife of 65 years, Muriel, traveled extensively, visiting every continent, often by cruise ship. Wolfer was fluent in German, Russian and Yiddish, Williams said.

Besides his wife and Williams, Wolfer is survived by son Lindsey, also a dentist; daughter Stacey Levin of Baltimore; brother Joseph; and eight grandchildren.

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A graveside service was Friday at New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sinai Hospital, Department of Development, 2401 W. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215, for the Outpatient Infusion Center at Sinai.