Norwin W. Wolff, age 81, of Marshfield Hills. MA and Stuart, FL, passed away peacefully on April 9th of infection-related complications from cancer. During the final two weeks of Norwin's life, he continued to work on polymer development projects, while sharing many special moments with his family, as well as the incredible Emerson 6 support teams at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, MA, and the team at Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Milton. MA.

Norwin was born in Gleiwitz, Germany on May 21, 1936. The challenges he faced in his early years were stepping stones to what eventually shaped his future, and made him the determined, intelligent, caring man, husband, father and entrepreneur who was loved and respected by so many.  In the mid 1940's, Norwin's mother fled WWII Germany with her children. Travelling by train to the United States with only the few belongings they could carry, Waterbury, CT became their new home, where they resided with Norwin's aunt. Although speaking little English, within a very short time, Norwin forged ahead to become one of the top students in his class. As he approached high school graduation, several top colleges, including MIT and Tufts University, expressed interest in his potential ability.  After accepting Tuft University's offer of a full four-year scholarship, Norwin graduated in 1959 with a B.S. in Chemistry, and began his career with A.E. Staley Mfg.  as a Polymer Research Chemist focusing on floor polish chemistry. In 1963, Norwin founded Polymer Applications, a "one man" consulting company specializing in specialty coatings, which led to the building of a small plant in Roxbury, MA. Shortly thereafter, with his consulting business growing quickly, he founded Interpolymer Corporation, and moved to a larger manufacturing facility in Canton, MA. This decision enabled Interpolymer to make a greater investment in surface care, personal care, and industrial specialties. His dreams expanded, and Interpolymer continued to grow, building a major manufacturing operation in Louisville, KY, as well as a larger facility in Canton, MA. Once domestic operations were well established, Interpolymer began expanding around the world, opening manufacturing facilities in France and China, along with a subsidiary in Germany.  From day one, Norwin's vision was to combine creative chemistry with world-class manufacturing operations, while never losing sight of the importance of his commitment to employees, customers, and suppliers. During his career, Norwin was named as the inventor of more than a dozen U.S. and International patents.

Crediting Tufts University for providing him with the education and foundation to become a leader in the field of polymer science, Norwin continued his commitment to Tufts in a variety of ways. In 2017, a conference room in the new Arts and Science building at Tufts was named in his honor. In addition, the Wolff family has supported students in the 2017 Summer Scholars Program and is working on continuing Norwin's legacy at Tufts in the future.

Norwin was a lifelong member of the American Chemical Society, and a member of the Consumer Specialties Products Association (CSPA), where he served as Chairman of the Polishes and Floor Maintenance Division. Additionally at CSPA, he was a Founding Trustee of the Alliance for Consumer Education, recipient of the Association's highest honor, the Charles E. Allderdice, Jr. Memorial Award, as well as elected to serve as Chairman, 2nd Vice Chairman, and Treasurer of the Association. One of his most enjoyable experiences was being a Trustee at Bay Farm Montessori Academy in Duxbury, MA where his children, Erika and Erich attended.

Norwin's greatest joys in life included his love for his family, his extended family at Interpolymer Corporation, and creative chemistry.  Norwin also enjoyed collecting model trains, fine wines, and cooking. Norwin's expertise in chemistry led to many incredible meals, rarely duplicated as he never relied on a recipe, he simply created.

Norwin is survived by his wife of 30 years, Patti Converse Wolff, his children, Jennifer Wolff Hartwell (Len) of Taunton, Gretchen Wolff Fleming (Hilmi Ozguc) of Newton, Erika Noelle Wolff (John) of Marshfield Hills and Erich Paul Wolff of Marshfield Hills. Also survived by his sisters, The Honorable Ute Wolff Lally of Oyster Bay, NY and Kristine Greene of Mastic NY, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Joanne Converse of Naples, FL, and his sister-in-law, Judith (Keating) Cooney of Rockport, MA.  Predeceased by his parents, Erich Wolff and Marguerite Wolff Schurm, his step-father, Kurt Schurm, and his first wife, Katherine (Keating) Wolff.  Norwin is also survived by many relatives and friends who along with his wife and children will dearly miss his dimples, as well as his infectious laugh.

A celebration of Norwin's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in honor of Norwin may be made to:  Tufts University, 80 George Street, Medford, MA 02155, Attn: Matt Scheck. Check made payable to: Trustees of Tufts College, in recognition of Norwin Wolff, or to: South Shore Health System Foundation, 55 Fogg Road, South Weymouth, MA  02190, in recognition of Norwin Wolff.