Neal Lloyd Wolf

1949 - 2022

Neal Lloyd Wolf died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 following his recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Neal was born February 8, 1949 in Chicago Illinois, the son of Ira and Bettye (neé Brainin). Neal attended Solomon Elementary School and Von Steuben High School in Chicago. Following graduation from Princeton University on an academic scholarship, he served as aide to Congressman Sidney Yates in Washington, D.C. He attended the University of Chicago Law School and began his almost 50-year legal practice focusing on bankruptcy litigation with the firm of Lewis and Roca in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1983, after the births of his sons Michael and Brian, Neal and his wife Caren returned to Chicago. Neal continued to practice law in Chicago until his marriage to Laurie, when he moved to San Francisco. The later years of his career were spent in firms in both Chicago and San Francisco. He ultimately concluded his career with the firm of Hanson Bridgett in San Francisco, California.

Throughout Neal's life, he took great pride in his family, in mentoring young attorneys, and in his love of dogs. He is remembered most for his warm and generous spirit, his enormous heart, and his profound honesty and fairness. He treated everyone, both in his personal and professional life, as family -- regardless of background, race, religion, or gender -- investing and taking great interest in their lives and finding joy in their successes.

Neal was known for his tremendous passion for the law and was honored to be inducted as a fellow into the eighth class of the American College of Bankruptcy. A lifelong fan of Chicago sports teams, he twice attended Chicago Cubs fantasy camps and felt proud to have pitched to Ernie Banks. He was profoundly happy to witness the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016 – an evening that brought him tears of joy.

Neal is survived by his loving wife Laurie, his brother Jeffrey Wolf (Joanne Otani), his sons Michael (Jamie Frieden) and Brian, and Laurie's children Jason Cardella (Alexis), Brian Cardella (Ashley), and Sarah Bilby (neé Cardella) – whom he loved as his own. He is also survived by grandchildren Rylee Cardella-Scott and Lia Scott, Isabel and Rebecca Wolf, Lucas and Olivia Cardella, and Wesley Cardella, as well as dozens of cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends who love him dearly.

A memorial service will be planned for the springtime in Chicago, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Neal's name to a favorite charity of the donor's choice.