Richard P. (Dick) Wolf, age 99, a resident of the Oaks in Pleasant Gap, died on Sunday, May 31 at the Oaks. Dick was born on May 5, 1927, in Erie, Pa, the son of the late Elton and Priscilla Wolf.

Dick graduated from Millcreek High School in 1945 and graduated from the Clarion State Teachers College (now Clarion University) in 1949. While earning his teaching degree, he played varsity basketball for the Golden Eagles. A Master’s Equivalence was earned through studies at SUNY/Oswego, Allegheny College, Edinboro University, and Penn State University.

On September 23, 1950, he married Patricia Anne Fry, and soon after, was drafted into the U.S. Army at the beginning of the Korean War. He always joked about his “guarding the gold” while undergoing his tank training at Fort Knox, KY. He was honorably discharged in December 1952.

His teaching career began in Ridgway, Pa, but after his Army discharge, he returned to teaching Biology at McDowell High School in Erie. He coached football and basketball at both schools.

Dick and his family left Erie in 1968 to join the staff of The Pennsylvania State University, where he served as Director of Continuing Education at both the Altoona and Dubois campuses. He continued his career in higher education at the University Park campus, where he retired in 1987.

After his divorce and retirement, he and his new partner in life, Irene Amick, traveled extensively by whatever means necessary, be it on foot, on skis, in boats, or by helicopter, for the next 30 years, having visited the British Isles, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. They spent many summer days enjoying the sun and sand on New Jersey beaches, and winters in Arizona and Florida, and visited all but one of the contiguous U.S. states, and many hiking trails were involved in their travels.

Retirement afforded him the opportunity to play and improve his game of tennis, and also, at the age of 70, to start his running career. 5Ks were his favorite, and he bragged about taking 1st place in four different states. He was an avid reader, and always had a book along for company.

Dick volunteered for over 30 years at various times and places, including the Mount Nittany Medical Center, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs), Meals on Wheels, American Heart Association, the Centre County Area Agency on Aging, and the American Cancer Society. He was also a 10 gallon blood donor. He was a loyal Penn State football fan and was in attendance for most home games since 1970, enjoying many tailgate parties with friends and family.

Dick is survived by his four children, all Penn State graduates. He had one daughter Patti (husband Patrick Kameen, Kennett Square, Pa), and the two of them were a devoted father/daughter team. He was exceptionally proud of his three successful sons; Mike of Ponte Verde, FL, Greg (Liz Holtzinger of State College, Pa, with whom he had a very special family friend relationship), and Jon (wife Adrienne of Altoona, PA).

A sister, Audrey Straub, preceded him in death in 2014 in Erie, PA, sister Lillian Naylor died in Erie, PA in 2017, and his brother Jerry died in Southport, NC in 2023.

Dick is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud. Patti has two sons - Andrew Kameen (wife Kristen and children Jack and Ava), and Robert Kameen (wife Jacqueline and children Ellie and Everly). Mike has three sons – Nate (wife Paula and children Rhea, Zane and Ezra), Ryan (wife Denee and children Everett and Oliver), and Barrett (wife Caitlin and children Easton and Macklin). Greg has two children – son Sean (wife Katy and children Harper and Grayson) and daughter Bethany (and son Colton). Jon has three children – daughter Taylor, and sons Kyle and Craig. There are also several surviving nieces and nephews. He also made many friends while living at the Oaks, and he enjoyed that community of friendships that laughed and cried together and looked out for one another. He also cherished friendships with caregivers Lyndsie and Paige, and developed a warm friendship with his hospice nurse Jenna.

While not a “showman” Dick certainly enjoyed his life while playing things low-key and with a positive outlook on life, right up to the very end of his life. He lived through many historical and personally touching events, and maintained a deep personal faith in God and a “keep moving forward” attitude.

Dick’s life will be celebrated at the Oaks at 1:30 on Friday, June 5, and any memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hospice or to Wreaths Across America in honor of veterans.