Obituary of John H. Wolfe

NORFOLK—Funeral Services for 90 year old John H. (Johnny) Wolfe Jr., a resident of the Highland Nursing Home in Massena and formerly of 1719 Sober Street, Norfolk, will be held Saturday at 12 noon at the Buck Funeral Home in Norfolk with Rev. Lee Sweeney presiding. Burial will be held in the Garfield Cemetery, Potsdam, next to his wife, Joyce. Family and friends may call at the Buck Funeral Home in Norfolk on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral. Mr. Wolfe passed away on Tuesday June 11, 2013 at the Highland Nursing Home in Massena. John was born at home in Norfolk on November 14, 1922, the first child of John H. and Rose M. (Roshia) Wolfe. He grew up assisting his father in the livery stable business in town, and then later at the family farm on Sober Street. In his younger days he was an accomplished horseman and trainer. He is survived by his companion of several years Joan Anson, Richville, NY; his son, John and Anne Wolfe III; three grandchildren; 2 great-grandsons and many nieces and nephews. His surviving siblings include brothers Winslow (Buddy) and Lilly Wolfe of Elmira; Francis and Bernice (Bunny) Wolfe of Norfolk and sisters Thelma and George Bercume of Potsdam; Mary and Alex Deshane of Norwood and Rose Wagstaff of Norfolk. He was pre-deceased by an infant brother Joseph, both parents, his wife Joyce S. Wolfe, a companion Elizabeth “Betty” Cheney, a daughter-in-law, Lorna Wolfe and a brother-in-law William “Bill” Wagstaff. John attended area schools and served in the U.S. Army during WWII from which he received an Honorable Discharge. Upon his release from service, John became a member, then officer and promoter of the American Legion in General, and Norfolk Post 925 in particular. John served as Post Commander many times, and took on county and state Legion roles as well. John was also Scoutmaster of Troop 12 BSA for many years, and was instrumental in the origin of Little League and American Legion youth baseball programs in the area. John was a firm believer in Democracy, and was often the first to speak up or ask pertinent questions at community meetings and gatherings. Although he held many diverse jobs over the years, John is best remembered as a self-employed U.S. Mail Contractor, delivering mail to the Post Offices of Norwood, Norfolk, Raymondville, Chase Mills and Waddington. His twice daily trips between and among these communities for nearly forty years gained him hundreds of friends and acquaintances. In later years, he was also head custodian at the Key Bank branches in Massena. In retirement, friends will remember his as active in senior citizen’s’ political affairs, activities and dances. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to “The Highland Nursing Home Activity Fund” at 182 Highland Road, Massena, NY 13662. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Norfolk is serving the family of John H. Wolfe Jr.