John Bernard Wolf – 66
John “Jack” Wolf, a lover of all things summer and sun, claimed his beach chair at the swimming pool in the sky on Sunday, December 26, 2021. He just couldn’t stand the thought of another Cleveland winter, and who could blame him? John was the third born of Doris and Bob Sr., first brightening their life on August 20, 1955. They were thrilled to finally get a cute child in the family and this charm never seemed to fade throughout his life.
John spent his childhood with big brothers, Bob (Veronica) Wolf, Jr. and Greg (Laura) Wolf in Broadview Heights. Born and raised on music, he naturally took to the concert scene, a passion that never left him. Among his favorite bands were the Rolling Stones, Disturbed, Ozzy Osbourne, Tool, Shinedown, and later, Eminem. With big hair and big dreams, he chased a career as an auto body man. John used his artistry to build, fabricate, and restore classic cars and eventually opened his own shop, Wolf’s Auto Body.
John’s enthusiasm and patience for his craft prepared him for starting his family. After high school, he married his sweetheart, Kimberly Petrak and befriended her brother, Mike “MP” Petrak. The Wolfs were always the life of the party. Many weekends were spent at the family pool and if you were there, you were family. His nephews and niece—Bobby III, Anthony, Gregory and Shelly—spent a lot of time splashing and laughing along with the adults.
John cherished those close to him. His two boys, Justin (39) and Nick (33), put about a bazillion miles on the family car while he drove them all over for their hockey practices and games. With nothing more than a paper map, he would drive his sons to multiple states without getting lost. Needless to say, Justin and Nick never missed a game.
Yet another skill that would carry him into the next chapter of his life was becoming a grandpa. John’s fondness for hockey solidified even further with the addition of his grandson and best friend, Peyton Joseph Wolf. Peyton and John were two peas in a pod and enthusiastic partners in crime. Case in point: they were repeat offenders at Dairy Queen and often fit in some Putt-Putt golf before the authorities arrived. Like he did with his sons, John drove Peyton everywhere. “Papa Wolf” seldom missed a game. Whether it was hockey or baseball, you could count on him being there. These long days spent sitting in the stands enriched his life and everyone around him. He was part of the team. John’s dedication and love of sport inspired Justin and Nick to become hockey coaches. For John, there was no escaping the hockey rink and he was happy with that. No doubt he will be looking down on them with a smile as they continue this important family tradition.
He loved his fine-looking family, and that included the smart and talented women his sons fell in love with. He treated Lindsey (Justin) and Mel (Nick) like his own daughters and they in turn loved him like a father, enduring his exaggerations and over sharing. John lived his life in the moment. He loved joking around with everyone, he was a big fan of animals and had many pets, including cats, dogs, fish, and a six-foot iguana. John was also talented in cooking and gardening. His residential offices recognized and awarded multiple accolades for his gorgeous plants. Jack liked the $100 gift card that came with the awards the best. At nearly every family gathering, he arrived armed with his famous grape leaves. These, like his other aforementioned passions, live on in the hearts of his boys, siblings, and close family and friends.
It’s impossible to capture every unique trait of John’s but while we have your attention, it’s important to also commemorate his quirks. Ya know, his hilarious graphic tees with the sleeves cut off, the way you could predict his response, but you provided the set up anyway, or how he was always primed and ready to get lucky…scratching lottery tickets! John no doubt put up a fight when the angels came to chauffeur him home—he rarely gave up the driver’s seat and certainly was not ready to leave the ones he loved. His sudden loss is grieved by so many who now, begrudgingly, have to start bringing their own candy and jokes everywhere.
Calling hours will be held from 2:00 to 5:30 pm on Sunday, January 2, 2022, at Zabor Funeral Home in Parma, Ohio. Tributes will commence at 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s name toward a trust fund for his dearest Wolfie, Peyton.
Potluck and Meal, Visits @ Barons Bus Arena (Maverick Volleyball Center-Next Door) 5310 Hauserman Rd. Cleveland, OH 44130-1234 Directly following the Tributes at Zabors.
Messages of Condolence
Unfortunately – I never got the chance to meet John, but I have had the pleasure of working side-by-side with his son, Nick. I have enjoyed many of the same qualities and passions that made John such a great person, that he shared and passed onto his son.
Having read this, he certainly had the ability to bring smiles to all – with myself now included!
My sympathy to the Wolf family.