John F. Wolfe, chairman of The Dispatch Printing Company – parent company of WBNS-10TV – and formerly long-time publisher of The Columbus Dispatch, died today after a courageous, two-year battle with cancer. Surrounded by family, Mr. Wolfe died at The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University. He was 72.
For more than four decades, starting in 1973 when he was named president of the company, Mr. Wolfe served in top leadership capacities both for the company and the community.
Born and raised in Columbus, Mr. Wolfe took great pride in the growth, development and quality of life of the city, the central Ohio region, and this area’s leading institutions.
Through his service on the boards of many nonprofit organizations, in advisory and committee roles, and his philanthropy, Mr. Wolfe was instrumental in advancing community assets he loved, such as The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Franklin Park Conservatory, The Columbus Metropolitan Library, The Scioto Mile, The Columbus Zoo and many others.
In civic improvement organizations, Mr. Wolfe most recently served as vice chairman of The Columbus Partnership (2002-present) and vice chairman of The Columbus Downtown Development Corp. (2002-present). Over his long career, he served on the boards of more than 20 nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in central Ohio.
Through his leadership at The Dispatch, Mr. Wolfe demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the First Amendment principles of open and accountable government, high ethical standards for government officials, and accessibility to public records and public meetings.
He was the recipient of numerous honors, including public service awards from the FBI, the Ohio Newspaper Association, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and the Ohio Hospital Association.
Mr. Wolfe is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Ann Isaly Wolfe; daughters Sara Wolfe (Michael) Perrini, Rita J. Wolfe, and Katie Wolfe (Clark) Lloyd, and five grandchildren: Christopher, Abigail and John Preston Perrini, and Jack and Teddy Lloyd.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.
The Wolfe family expressed its deep appreciation to the leadership and staff of The James Cancer Hospital for the exceptional care provided him during his illness.
[block:views=79576f3860c706b6aa867c9982803754]
Statements from community leaders and politicians on the passing of John F. Wolfe
Gov. John Kasich:
John Wolfe's passing is a huge personal loss to me, just as it is an irreplaceable loss to Columbus and Central Ohio, where he was always there on the frontlines of everything that mattered. John's devotion to his community was unmatched and no one had a closer eye on the workings of state government. As Karen and I join John's family and colleagues in their grief, we also celebrate the lasting mark he has made on his state and community.
Ohio State University President Michael V. Drake:
The Ohio State University joins our community in mourning the loss of John F. Wolfe. John’s influence on our city, our university and on each of us will leave a legacy that will endure the passage of time. “In addition to the family’s generous and wide-ranging support of Ohio State, John most recently brought vision, perspective and good humor to his service on the Wexner Medical Center Board, always in pursuit of deepening the partnership between the university and the community to our great mutual benefit. “John will be missed terribly, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Ann and the Wolfe family.
Auditor of State Dave Yost:
Columbus has lost one of its truly visionary leaders. John Wolfe’s contributions to central Ohio are immeasurable, and he did it quietly, preferring to roll up his sleeves instead of seeking attention.
There is no question that this community would not be what it is today but for his leadership, courage and selflessness. On a professional level, he was a thoughtful adviser. Personally, he was my friend. John Wolfe cared deeply for people, but none more than his wife, children and grandchildren. My sympathies to Ann and his family.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine:
Fran and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death today of John F. Wolfe. John’s stewardship of his company and his dedication to the greater Columbus, Ohio community are examples of true civic leadership and engagement. His death is not only a loss for Columbus, but also for the state of Ohio.
John was dedicated to producing quality journalism - at The Dispatch, Channel 10, and the many media outlets that were part of his company.
John F. Wolfe was a tremendous force behind what the city of Columbus and central Ohio area has become.
Fran and I extend our sympathy and prayers to Ann, and his daughters and grandchildren.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther:
I am deeply saddened at the passing of one of the great stalwarts of Columbus. He was as much a part of the city as the city was a part of him. Few people have contributed as much to the growth of the community as John and the Wolfe family. I will miss him personally and professionally and lift up Ann and his family in my prayers.
Speaker of the Ohio House Clifford A. Rosenberger:
My heart goes out to the Wolfe family during this difficult time. I will always be thankful for John’s friendship and will remember him as a true professional who carried himself in a humble and respectful manner.
As publisher of the Columbus Dispatch, John provided a service to the people of Ohio that is so critical to preserving the strength and well-being of our republic by keeping the public informed and holding government accountable.
Although he will be greatly missed, the legacy that he leaves behind—and the positive impact he made on Columbus and all of Ohio—cannot be understated.
Ohio Senate President Keith Faber:
John Wolfe reminds me of the proverb that says a wise person restrains his words. He was a quiet but incredibly effective leader and a tireless advocate for his community. Despite his unassuming personality, the most powerful people in public and private sectors alike sought his advice and worked to earn his approval. He never abused the power of the pen but rather used it with great skill to demand the integrity of both the journalism profession itself and those it holds accountable.
I will cherish the time I spent with him just kicking around ideas about how to make his city and state the greatest place to live, work and raise a family. His reputation as a widely regarded opinion leader gave him an important voice in so many of the great policy issues that have shaped our state for decades. Our deepest condolences go out to John's family and to the entire Columbus community that he loved so much.
Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted:
John Wolfe played an integral role in our state, especially for Central Ohio. He cared about people and he cared about his community; the integrity he showed in serving the public was evidence of that.
John was a true gentleman, both in his life and in journalism. He will be missed.
Franklin County Board of Commissioners:
For more than a century, the Wolfe family have been leaders in our community, and none more than John F. Wolfe, whose passing we mourn today. His contributions to the culture, arts, sports, business, education and, of course, journalism of our region are unparalleled. No one loved Central Ohio more than he, and our community will miss his tireless and humble advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership. Our hearts are with Ann and the entire Wolfe family today.
Ohio State Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director Gene Smith:
The passing of John F. Wolfe is a profound loss for the community. A man of impeccable integrity, he always put community first. He was a rare and gifted leader.
John was also my dear friend. We shared a deep trust and I admired and loved him very much.
My prayers are with his family.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Director Emeritus Jack Hanna:
Sue and I just heard about the passing of our very dear friend, John F. Wolfe. John was a pillar of the Central Ohio community and a longtime supporter of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. John's family founded the Zoo in the 1920s, and he took such pride in the work that we still do today. John had such a big heart - helping not only the animals, but the people world as well. He was a supporter of many great organizations - like Nationwide Children's Hospital. People like John are one of the reasons our daughter Julie is still here with us today after her battle with cancer. His impact was truly felt worldwide. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wolfe Family.
Nationwide Children's Hospital CEO Dr. Steve Allen:
The most significant hallmark of any great civic leader is the legacy they leave within a community. The impact of John Wolfe’s generosity, compassion and intellect will be felt throughout Columbus for generations to come. In every action, he put the needs of our community first and tirelessly fostered collaborations that have shaped Columbus as the vibrant city it is today. At Nationwide Children’s Hospital we remember and honor John as a tremendous personal champion. Both he and Ann have been instrumental in advancing this organization to be the national leader in pediatric care and research it is today. His legacy lives on through every child we care for and every discovery we make that improves health for children everywhere. We are gratified for a lifetime of support and on behalf of our staff, physicians, scientists and most importantly the patients and families of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, our hearts go out to Ann Wolfe and the entire Wolfe family.
Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer:
My thoughts prayers with Ann and the Wolfe family. His passion for the city of Columbus, the great state of Ohio and The Buckeyes was unmatched. We became very close the last four years and Shelley and I will miss him dearly.
Ohio State men's basketball head coach Thad Matta:
Mr. Wolfe was a true gentleman, one of the greatest men I have ever met. His passion for The Ohio State University was unlike anything I have ever seen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. I will miss him dearly.
John McConnell, Chairman and CEO, Worthington Industries and Majority owner of the Columbus Blue Jackets:
When John believed in something, he was all in. And, he certainly believed in Columbus. My father and I were most grateful for his friendship. But he was also a great business partner with the Blue Jackets organization. My thoughts are with his wife Ann and the rest of his family."
U.S. Senator Rob Portman:
I was so sad to hear about my friend, John Wolfe. Jane and I send our deepest condolences to Ann and the entire family. Just about everywhere you go in Columbus, you can see his impact. He was humble and unassuming, a Columbus icon who was a success in business, and a generous philanthropist. He created thousands of jobs, and he volunteered his time and resources on the Franklin County Board of Parks and Recreation, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Columbus Partnership, and countless other organizations and community initiatives. I had the privilege serving with him on one of those organizations, the board of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at OSU. I will miss John most of all as a trusted friend with whom I could share anything and get his perspective. He loved to talk politics, and I will really miss our conversations.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman:
The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of John Wolfe. John's philanthropy touched many live and a variety of causes, and his commitment to the advancement of the city of Columbus was extraordinary. His support of the city's first major sports franchise, the attention and focus he directed toward the construction of Nationwide Arena, and his dedication to the development of the Arena District are just three illustrations of John's devotion to his beloved hometown. John will be missed inside and outside the NHL. We send condolences to his family and his many friends.
Senator John Glenn:
The passing of John Wolfe leaves a real vacuum in the roles of leadership for Ohio, and Central Ohio in particular, that will be hard to replace. His interests were always to promote what was best for the community and state and his interests were very wide-ranging.
Through his influence for so many years as publisher of the Columbus Dispatch, he was able to be a spark plug and support for community leaders that has proven vital as Columbus has changed. A good example is one I see every day as I look out from our condominium in downtown Columbus that views the Scioto River and the greenway project (Scioto Mile). John and his father before him had a vision of the Scioto being returned to its more natural state and an attraction for downtown Columbus. With his interest and persistence, he was able to make it all happen as he was the spark plug for so many of Central Ohio’s advancements.
John was a valued member of the Board of Advisors for our new John Glenn College of Public Affairs as part of The Ohio State University. Education was of particular interest to John which he saw as a key to further advancement for every young person, and key for the future of our state and nation.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ann and his family. We have lost a friend, counselor, and advisor. The Ohio community has lost one of its true champions.
Jack Nicklaus:
Barbara and I were surprised and saddened to hear about John’s passing.
John was such a good friend to the City of Columbus. For decades, he was a good friend to all of us at Muirfield Village and with the Memorial Tournament. John was also a good friend to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and countless other worthwhile charities throughout Ohio. And simply, John was a good friend to Barbara and me.
The Nicklaus family’s relationship with John dates back to the 1960s, and he has supported everything we have done and were involved in at Muirfield Village and the Memorial Tournament. It was his commitment early on to Muirfield Village, and his partnership since the first playing of the Memorial in 1976, that provided us a foundation to the success we have enjoyed for parts of five decades. It was that kind of passion and dedication to community that made John one of Central Ohio’s true icons and friends. He contributed to the growth of Columbus in so many ways, professionally and personally, and was so supportive of anything that would make Central Ohio a better place to live and work.
My heart has never left Central Ohio, but living in Florida the last 50 years, I didn’t see John nearly as much as I would have liked, but I know that every time I was in the company of Ann and John, we had a great time and it was as if we never left.
Not only will the City of Columbus miss John Wolfe, but as a true friend to all of us in the Nicklaus family, we are saddened today. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to Ann, his three daughters, and their entire family.