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John Wolper Obituary
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John was a devoted educator and a passionate leader, earning his Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For over 40 years, he taught and mentored countless students as a professor, primarily specializing in Leadership and Hospitality Management at Mercyhurst University, University of Findlay, and Thomas More University. Before his tenure in academia, John had a successful career in the hospitality industry, working with Sheraton Hotels and Quaker Oats.
A lifelong learner and teacher, John made a lasting impact on his students and colleagues, fostering a commitment to excellence and a deep love of hospitality and leadership. He was also an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newport, KY, where he served faithfully as a member of the choir. His strong sense of community and faith was central to his life.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Wolper and nephew: Jon Wysocki.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Paula Wolper; his son, Alexander Wolper; his daughter, Lauren Wolper; his brother, Barry Wolper; his sisters, Marilyn (Edward) Wysocki and Jennifer Wolper; and his cherished grandchildren, Addison, Xavier, Adiel, and Joshua.
A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 7 Court Street, Newport, KY 41071. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to express condolences to do so via Serenity Funeral Care's website at SerenityFuneralCare.com or on Facebook.
John's legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the lessons he imparted, and the love he shared with those closest to him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
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6 Entries
Margaret Weir Manchik
December 17, 2024
What a wonderful legacy! Mr. Wolper is the reason I've enjoyed a fantastic career in hospitality for the last 30something years. His inclusive nature and spirited drive, brought me in to the then HRM program at Mercyhurst. He is a legend. I will be forever grateful for being part of his world.
Tony Prusak
December 15, 2024
September 1986. My first class with John Wolper-Intro to Hospitality. I remember wondering why the division chair himself was teaching a freshman course. Years later, I asked him. His answer? He wanted to be the one to set the tone. To introduce students not just to the industry, but to what it meant to be a professional, to carry yourself with purpose and pride. He wanted us to succeed-not just in the classroom, but in life.
Last night, I read some posts about John and the legacy he left at Mercyhurst University, and it brought it all back. Back then, hospitality was the crown jewel of the university, one of the largest programs with over 200 students. It was a golden era-when Marriott, Hyatt, and top restaurant chains were aggressively recruiting. You´d see your friends move across the country, diving into exciting careers. And behind so many of those successes was John Wolper.
John didn´t just teach us the mechanics of the industry; he taught us about class. About dressing sharp, shaking hands with confidence, and navigating adversity with grace. He believed in us. Fought for us. He was the kind of person who´d pick up the phone to land you that internship or first job because he knew your potential, even when you weren´t sure of it yourself.
His impact rippled far beyond Mercyhurst. Through his students, he helped shape the hospitality industry. He taught us not just to excel but to pay it forward. To help others find their way, just as he helped us. That´s the real lesson I carry from him: you can never truly pay back the people who change your life. But you can honor them by doing the same for someone else.
As I reflect on those days, I feel grateful. Grateful for John. Grateful for Mercyhurst. Grateful for the lifelong friendships forged during those formative years. To Paula, Alex, Lauren, the faculty, the students, and all the professionals whose lives he touched-my thoughts and prayers are with you.
And to John, thank you for everything.
John Kuhl
December 11, 2024
John was my favorite instructor at Mercyhurst. I have so many memories of John and his laugh! John, Daryl and myself doing the hula at our Hawaiian Luau for Quantity Foods, our trips to Toronto for Beverage and Entertainment (and getting the bus driver to swerve the bus when John went to the restroom), getting into John's hotel room and short sheeting his bed on a Sales blitz in Philly and just daily talks with him. RIP John and thank you being such an amazing man and friend!
Kelly Meyer
December 10, 2024
John made a huge positive impact on my young life. He was so full of life, happy and had the best classes in Hospitality (HRM back then 1980-1984). My condolences to Paula and the family.
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Alice Edwards
December 10, 2024
Join is remembered fondly at Mercyhurst for building a great program and for his warmth and expansive kindness. Our condolences to Paula and his children.
Missy and Jim Breckenridge
December 9, 2024
John was an extraordinary soul who loved his family, his students, and his colleagues. John's zeal for life was infectious. His contributions to the Mercyhurst Hospitality Program are unequaled. He will always have a place in our hearts.
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