Wolfe, John – Fred H. McGrath & Son, Inc.

John Wolfe, a veteran writer, journalist, consultant and communications professional from Bronxville, N.Y., died Sunday, May 19, surrounded by his family members. He was 72.

His beloved wife, Ray Ann, and his two children—Caitlin and Terrence—were at his side when he passed at White Plains Hospital Sunday afternoon.

A proud Chicago native who fell in love with New York, Wolfe was a longtime communications executive whose career was equally divided between journalism and public relations. He was most recently a leading PR/Communications consultant in New York City working with organizations including the Association of National Advertisers (ANA).

He was a man of exceptional wisdom, talent, kindness and empathy, and he taught his children to examine their lives and make their choices carefully and intentionally. He was most grateful for his family and adored spending time with his adult children, following their lives and careers with affection and pride.

Wolfe and his wife met originally in Rome on the campus of Loyola University’s Rome program, and their work during their 38-year-long marriage took them to assignments based in Chicago, London and New York.

He called his daughter, Caitlin, “Bundle,” and took her on her first trip abroad to celebrate her graduation from the 8^thgrade, just the two of them, and he took his son, Terrence, on many trips around the country trying to see games in all the Major League Baseball stadiums. They hit 14 of them.

He loved to read fiction and non-fiction, watch great films and spend time with his family and friends. He was a fiercely loyal mentor and career advisor to many of them, and he loved reading the news and critiquing the media and advertising world. He also had a peerless sense of humor. He frequently quoted lines from his favorite novels, poems and movies, and he wrote creatively, as well. He was a Renaissance man in the truest sense.

Wolfe began his journalism career in 1976 as a reporter with the legendary City News Bureau of Chicago and later worked as a reporter and writer for the Kansas City Times (now Star), the Chicago Sun-Times and the Associated Press before joining Advertising Age, where he worked for 10 years as an editor in Chicago, London and New York.

John also spent three years as executive editor of House Beautiful, a monthly Hearst publication. His extensive journalistic career included serving as managing editor—and later editor-in-chief—of Art & Antiques magazine.

He moved on from journalism to become Director of Public Affairs for the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As) and later worked as Director of Communications for Mindshare North America and for GroupM. More recently, Wolfe was Senior Vice President at DiGennaro Communications, a Manhattan-based boutique PR agency specializing in the advertising, marketing and media sectors.

He was a graduate of Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL, and of Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA, and he followed the Eagles’ athletics success avidly throughout his life.

Wolfe adored working in Manhattan and returned to his beloved Chicago frequently every year to visit friends and relatives. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, and he marked Bloomsday with friends every year on June 16 to remember author James Joyce.

Wolfe is survived by his wife, Ray Ann Kelly of Bronxville; his daughter, Caitlin Wolfe; his son, Terrence Wolfe, and Terrence’s fiancée, Megan McCloskey, all of New York City.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 30, at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Inc. Funeral Home at 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY 10708.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in John’s memory to Loyola Academy, 1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette IL 60091, or online at GoRamblers.org; and/or to Loyola University’s John Felice Rome Centerprogram, through Loyola University Chicago, Alumni Relations, 820 N. Michigan Av., Chicago IL 60661 (or Make a Gift to the JFRC — for more details, call 312-915-7660).

Condolences(8)

Joe Nlumenauer says
May 23, 2024 at 9:23 am

So sorry for your loss, such a wonderful man! I always enjoyed seeing John and spending time together.
Joan spillane says
May 23, 2024 at 9:12 pm

So very sorry to hear – with our sympathy- The Spillane Family 🌻
Art Soudek/Nora Fitzgerald says
May 28, 2024 at 9:58 am

Terrance- Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Debbi Thomas says
May 28, 2024 at 10:40 pm

Just such a wonderful man….Ray Ann, Caitlin, and Terrence we are so very sorry. With our love and deepest condolences
Deb, Steve, and Alex Thomas
Davalyn Aaron says
May 29, 2024 at 6:27 pm

On behalf of my family I want to give our deepest condolences to you Rayan and the children I know it not easy loosing a love one but God is in control may he give you the peace and comfort you need in this sad time you are in my prayers stay strong and remember all the good times you all share together with him may his soul rest in perfect peace and take care of your self thank you God bless you .
Dava Aaron says
May 29, 2024 at 6:33 pm

My deepest condolence to the family my dearest Rayan am so sorry for the lost of your husband he was a very good man and I am heart broke to hear this sad news may God comfort you in this time of sadness may his soul rest in perfect peace
Sue Suttlehan says
May 31, 2024 at 9:26 am

Dear Ray Ann, Caitlin and Terrence,
Our deepest condolences for this huge loss. May the memories comfort you and bring you peace.
The Suttlehan Family
Donna Skerrett says
June 16, 2024 at 4:29 pm

Dearest Ray Ann, Caitlin and Terrence- we are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We have so many memories of wonderful times with all of you. We are blessed to have known him. The Skerrett- Fulbright Family

Wolfe, John December 1, 1951 - May 19, 2024

Condolences(8)

Joe Nlumenauer says

Joan spillane says

Art Soudek/Nora Fitzgerald says

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Sue Suttlehan says

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