Barry J. Wolk

Barry J. Wolk passed away on October 24, 2025 at the age of 87. Loving husband to the late Carol "Corky" Wolk (nee Forman), devoted father of Anne Wolk Stolar and John Wolk, and dubbed "Papa Bar" by his three grandchildren Kate & Sylvie Stolar, and Ivy Wolk. He was the dear brother of the late Sally Brown and caring son of the late Jacob and Annette Wolk. He is also survived by his brother and sister in laws Jane & Charlie Forman and Debbie & Estia Eichten and nephews Tom & Sam Forman. The family would like to thank his caregivers Brenda and Kinjo for their compassion and dedication over the last year of his life. Barry was raised in Pittsburgh and remained a dedicated fan of his Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins. He was a proud alumnus of The Kiski School in Pennsylvania where he boarded and met lifelong best friend Bill Jones. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh where he met Corky. They married after college and moved to the Prairie Shores neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. He volunteered in the U.S. Army Reserves for five years. When their children were young the family moved to suburban Glencoe. Even after Corky passed away there at the age of 57, Barry remained in the home they shared for another 26 years until his passing. Barry enjoyed riding his bicycle around Glencoe, watching sports, movies, reading, and his beloved Three Stooges. Barry was known for his great sense of humor. He even kept a framed photo of 'Curly' amongst those of close family members on a living room shelf much to the delight of visitors. With the loss of his father Jacob back in 1991, Barry felt a renewed sense of faith and became very active in the Jewish community, regularly attending services at different synagogues while volunteering his time with local Chicago area Jewish charities like EZRA that helped the underprivileged. He was often heard quoting the wisdom (and jokes) of his many Rabbi friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to EZRA Multi-Service Center, 909 W. Wilson, Chicago, IL 60640, www.juf.org/ezra/. Chapel service Monday, October 27, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Rd, Arlington Heights. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva information, and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520.