John McRae Wolfe

John McRae Wolfe (76) of Tampa, passed away peacefully April 26, 2020. He was a lifelong resident of Tampa. John was preceded in death by his parents Arthur Charles Wolfe and Elizabeth McRae Wolfe, and his grandmother Maude McRae. He was the beloved husband of Pat Rosendahl Wolfe for 47 years; and father of John McRae II, Brian (Katy); his three adored grandchildren, Maggie, Emmy, and James. He leaves behind his brother Lester (Vicki); brothers-in-law Melvin (Madonna) Geithmann and Joe (Roxanne) Geithmann; and many favorite nieces and nephews. All the family and friends knew that Uncle John or Mr. Wolfe or Papa was good for a ride to the ice cream or the slurpee store. And of course they were not to tell the “Boss” (Pat) that they were getting a treat.

He was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for the past 50 years where he taught Sunday school, was Sr. Warden on the Vestry, and served where needed. In 2004, he became an Ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church and served at St Mary’s Episcopal Church until he retired from service. He was and still known affectionately as Deacon Wolfe by students, parents, and friends.

He attended Gorrie Elementary, Wilson Jr High, H.B. Plant High ‘61, and graduated from University of Tampa with a BS in Economics and on a full music scholarship. He later received his M.B.A. from the University of South Florida where he met his poopsie Pat. John loved tuba playing in the German Band at HB Plant, All State, and was first chair at UT being a proud member of the Music Society Kappa Kappa Psi. He greatly enjoyed Friday morning Cuban espresso in West Tampa with his former band members and also at a Friday lunch group at the American Legion 138. John smiled and joked with friends at breakfast, lunch, or ice cream, especially at the former The Old Meeting House. Another favorite activity was early morning gym workouts with his exercise group.

John was very active in organizations and was a member or served on several boards over the years, among them, the Sword and Shield at UT, Berkeley, Faith Café, Tampa East Sertoma Club, Board of Fellows and Trustees at UT; Economic Club of Tampa; Davis Island Civic Association, Tampa Sister Cities, and F.W.&P.C.O Region XII. He was also a member of Leadership Tampa, Tampa Yacht & Country Club, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and the University Club.

During his business career, he started several businesses within the construction and building industry. His last firm was a manufacturers’ rep for the SE, and he was well thought of for his network and knowledge of industrial and commercial paint coatings, pavers, and terrazzo flooring. Many customers became lifelong friends. John loved elephants and thus named his business Pachyderm. We will never forget him either.

A private family memorial service will be held. A celebration of his life will be held during the summer yet to be determined. Memorial gifts should be sent to St. Andrew’s Foundation, 509 E. Twiggs St, 33602 or University of Tampa Athletics Sword & Shield Club, 401 W Kennedy, 33606-1490. Many thanks to the staff at Bayshore Pointe for their compassionate care these last few months.