John F. Wolfe, chairman of The Dispatch Printing Company – parent company of WTHR-TV – and formerly long-time publisher of The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio), died today after a courageous, two-year battle with cancer. Surrounded by family, Mr. Wolfe died at The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University. He was 72.
For more than four decades, starting in 1973 when he was named president of the company, Mr. Wolfe served in top leadership capacities both for the company and the community.
Born and raised in Columbus, Mr. Wolfe took great pride in the growth, development and quality of life of the city, the central Ohio region, and this area’s leading institutions.
Through his service on the boards of many nonprofit organizations, in advisory and committee roles, and his philanthropy, Mr. Wolfe was instrumental in advancing community assets he loved, such as The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Franklin Park Conservatory, The Columbus Metropolitan Library, The Scioto Mile, The Columbus Zoo and the fund to enhance the annual Circle of Lights in Indianapolis.
In civic improvement organizations, Mr. Wolfe most recently served as vice chairman of The Columbus Partnership (2002-present) and vice chairman of The Columbus Downtown Development Corp. (2002-present). Over his long career, he served on the boards of more than 20 nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in central Ohio.
Through his leadership at The Dispatch, Mr. Wolfe demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the First Amendment principles of open and accountable government, high ethical standards for government officials, and accessibility to public records and public meetings.
He was the recipient of numerous honors, including public service awards from the FBI, the Ohio Newspaper Association, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and the Ohio Hospital Association.
Mr. Wolfe is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Ann Isaly Wolfe; daughters Sara Wolfe (Michael) Perrini, Rita J. Wolfe, and Katie Wolfe (Clark) Lloyd, and five grandchildren: Christopher, Abigail and John Preston Perrini, and Jack and Teddy Lloyd.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.
The Wolfe family expressed its deep appreciation to the leadership and staff of The James Cancer Hospital for the exceptional care provided him during his illness.
