John Wolfe

John was a wonderful, warm man with unique insights on the world and a fascinating sense of humour. He was one of my favorite people and I will miss him dearly.

John was my editor at Ad Age for two important years. And the best lunch mate for years thereafter. If not for his care, direction, and humor, I wouldn't have gone far after that. One day, at Ad Age, as I bumbled around the office, he looked at me and said, "What an oaf." We both laughed, and to this day, I remember it fondly because, a. it was accurate, b. he used the perfect word at the right time. It's what you want in a great editor, and a good friend.

I worked for John at Ad Age for about five years just before many of us started families and lost track of time while raising our kids. It’s hard for me to comprehend that it’s been maybe 20 years since I had a conversation with him, but knowing he is gone is still leaving an empty space in my soul. It seems like only yesterday when during an annual meeting in Chicago he gleefully led us to the Billy Goat for a beer in the hometown journalism hangout that he treasured. John was one of the good guys, taken too soon. My heart goes out to Ray Ann and their family. RIP, John.

We worked at City News together, talked books at Miller's Pub and were roommates in Roger's Park--learning our beloved writing trade together in the hard-knocks school of Chicago journalism. He was the dearest friend, for almost a half century, and I will miss him terribly all the days of my life. But I was so lucky to know him and share the road. Carolyn and I, and our daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, were all close to him, and he loved that our children became friends too. My heart goes out, especially to Ray Ann, Caitlin, Terrence and all his friends and family. There was no one like him. We laughed. We cried. We crushed it together. May the road rise to meet you, John. Dearest love.

May he rest in peace.

So sorry to hear this news. May you all find joy, and peace, in your memories. The world is a little less kind, a lot less funny, and whole lot emptier without John. xo Kathy Mininni Kraft

My heartfelt condolences to Ray Ann & family. I fondly remember John at our 50th HS reunion taking a selfie & email to Ray Ann & asked do you recognize?
After all we hadn´t seen each other since we all lived at 1100 W Montana in Chicago.(1983-4) I also enjoyed being at your wedding In Michigan. Good bless & RIP John.