Service set for Feb. 15

Jerry Wolf is being remembered as a man who cared about his family and the community.

Gerald “Jerry” Wolf, 99, of Westminster, Md., Fort Myers, Fla., and formerly of Altoona, died Nov. 29 at BridgingLife Dove House in Westminster, Md.

Wolf spent his working career at Wolf Furniture Co., retiring as president.

“There are very few people with a footprint in Blair County as big as Jerry Wolf,” said John Wolf, who succeeded Jerry as company president.

Jerry was president when John’s son, Doug, joined the business in 1985.

“Jerry was a tremendous mentor and very committed to professional management, and wanted to make sure I understood that,” Doug Wolf said.

Steve Sloan, a cousin who worked for the business for many years, said Wolf should be remembered for “the community he loved,” as he worked tirelessly to keep its heritage alive and thriving for generations to come.

He and his wife, Aline, who died Feb. 4, 2024, played key roles in founding Penn-Mont Academy, which has been providing Montessori education for 60 years. It was the first Montessori school to be licensed in Pennsylvania and the third in the nation.

The Wolfs founded Penn-Mont in direct response to the limitations of traditional teaching methods they experienced in the elementary education of their three oldest children.

While Aline was more the face of Penn-Mont Academy, Jerry worked tirelessly behind the scenes, dedicating countless hours to ensuring growth and sustainability for Penn-Mont, said Andrea Okonak, head of school.

“His leadership and expertise were invaluable, particularly through his dedicated service to the board of directors and his steadfast guidance of the finance committee. Jerry’s unwavering commitment and strength played a vital role in shaping the school we cherish today,” Okonak said.

Wolf was also the founder of the Greater Altoona Blair County Community Endowment — which is now the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation — in 1995.

Foundation CEO Jodi Cessna said Wolf was a “visionary,” who was relentless in his pursuit of creating an organization for the Altoona community and surrounding area.

“He … truly wanted to make sure there was perpetually a ‘pool’ of money available to help the charitable organizations in our community and continue to make it an even better place. He loved this area and felt everyone could and should help to preserve it which is why he was so adamant about having a community foundation,” Cessna said.

President Allan Hancock agreed, saying Wolf “really cared about Altoona.” He always remained focused on his mission when he was driven to a goal.

“When he got an idea, he pushed it through,” Hancock said.

Local businessman Neil Port said Wolf was an early investor in Delta Health Technologies, and he and his wife, Mickey, were neighbors and close friends with the Wolfs.

“He was a fabulous asset to the community. He left his mark on the community in many ways,” Port said. “He liked to laugh, he always had a smile on his face, he was serious as a businessman, he analyzed things very carefully, he was a good man.”

Terri Goldberg, whose mother, Marilyn, was a close friend of the Wolfs, said Jerry was dedicated to his family and community.

“As a prominent and successful businessman in Altoona, he was greatly respected and admired. He made many contributions to the greater Altoona community and the local Catholic Church, including the founding of Penn-Mont Academy,” Goldberg said.

Michelle Hartye, retired head of school at Penn-Mont, said Wolf was always generous with his time and wisdom.

“He was deeply spiritual, a lifelong learner, compassionate and generous,” Hartye said.

The family will welcome friends at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 309 Lotz Ave., Lakemont, Altoona. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Committal will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.