John Wolfinger

WOLFINGER, John

William

John Wolfinger, 82 of Atlanta, GA passed peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on July 19, 2025 after a long illness.

Born on April 30, 1943, to John William (Bill) and Mary Kay (Pearson) Wolfinger, John grew up in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. He graduated from Mount Gilead High School in 1961 and Bowling Green State University in 1965.

John spent his whole career in retail, first as a buyer for Rich's here in Atlanta and later for Richway Discount Department Store (a division of Rich's). At one time he was offered the chance to make the move to Macy's in New York City, but chose to stay in Atlanta, which had become his home. In the 1980s he opened his own shop, Intown Crafters, in Virginia-Highland which he ran until his retirement.

Following retirement John had a second career as a full-time volunteer. Largely focused on community safety, he volunteered with the Fulton County District Attorney's Office as a CourtWatcher and served as safety chair for the Virginia-Highland Civic Association and Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU-F). He also served on the boards of the Virginia-Highland Civic Association, Virginia-Highland Security Patrol, and Keep Atlanta Beautiful.

During this time John was the recipient of numerous awards including the APAB Neighborhoods Matter Award, Outstanding Citizen CourtWatcher for 2010 and 2016, Atlanta Police Department Citizen of the year for 2013, and the Virginia-Highland Civic Association Service Award for 2007. John also completed the citizen's academy programs for Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and Fulton County Sheriff's Department.

John was an active member of the Georgia Perennial Plant Society and maintained a beautiful garden at his home. He also was passionate about his family genealogy and was the keeper of the family tree, photos and history. One of his final projects was to organize the materials he had collected to hand off to the next generation.

John is survived by his cousins, Rob Planisek (Laura), Bonnie Bell, and Corey Van Hassel (James); sister-in-law, Sandra Wolfinger; nieces, Tara Lyn Wolfinger and Amanda Sue Hasenoehrl (Mike); and many close friends.

He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Kay (Pearson); father, John William (Bill) Wolfinger; brother, James (Jim) Wolfinger; and a nephew, Jared Wolfinger.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Internment will be at Rivercliff Cemetery in Mt. Gilead. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations that were close to John's heart.

• Morrow Country Historical Society

• Winship Cancer Institute at Emory

• Trees Atlanta

• First Baptist Church of Mt. Gilead

• Historic Oakland Foundation

• Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

Thanks to the staff at Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Vitas Healthcare and Griswold Home Care, especially his favorite caregivers Kia and Az're.

Condolences may be sent to in care of Virginia-Highland Security Patrol, P.O. Box 8032, Atlanta, GA 31106.

John will be remembered for his commitment to community. He always said, "people who know each other tend to look out for each other." We are glad that we had the opportunity to know this wonderful man and will miss his wisdom and kindness.