Joseph H Wolfe Jr

Joseph H. Wolfe, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 8, 2026 after a short illness at the age of 81.

Born on March 6, 1945 in Elkin, North Carolina, Joe was the son of Joseph H. Wolfe, Sr. and Betty Smith Wolfe, and the older brother of Laura Wolfe, an artist, who predeceased him. He
came from a family rich in history, tracing his lineage to Mayflower passenger John Howland and to King Edward I of England. He was also a cousin of the renowned author Thomas Wolfe,
best known for Look Homeward, Angel.

Joe’s early life was shaped by frequent moves, following his father’s academic career as a law professor. He spent his childhood in university towns including Ann Arbor, Michigan; Lexington,
Virginia; and Raleigh, North Carolina. While living in Weston, Massachusetts, Joe experienced the sudden loss of his father, who died of a heart attack at Boston’s North Station when Joe was
just sixteen.

In the wake of this profound loss, Joe went on to notable academic achievements, graduating first from Phillips Exeter Academy and then Harvard University. He then went on to earn his law
degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated first in his class.

Joe built a distinguished career in law, starting as a clerk for a federal judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He transitioned to the private sector at the Dilworth firm in Philadelphia,
where he met his future wife Marie King, also working as an attorney at the firm. Next, he moved into corporate practice, which eventually brought him back to Massachusetts with his wife and
young children. Later, he would direct his expertise to public service, working for the Big Dig public works project and serving as a federal court arbitrator and a mediator under Massachusetts law.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was a man of intellectual curiosity, wide-ranging passions, and a sharp, subtle wit. He loved classical piano, math and physics, French poetry,
and puzzles and puns, interests he eagerly shared and passed on to his family.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife Marie, with whom he shared nearly fifty years of marriage, love, and friendship. Together,
they raised three children, Christopher (Elizabeth Snyder), Gregory (Carolina Borrás) and Julia (Raymond Pottebaum), and were blessed with four grandchildren, Theodore, Calliope,
Raymond, and Audrey, who lovingly knew him as “Grandpa Joe.” He will be remembered by all for his intellect, his steady presence, and his deep commitment to those he loved.

A small private service will be held this week, to be followed by a Celebration of Life at a later date this summer.

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