A 1957 graduate, Joe dedicated over 46 years to serving our community. His legacy as a teacher, coach, and Athletic Director reflects his unwavering commitment to our institution and students.
During his tenure, Joe's contributions were nothing short of extraordinary. He taught history, business law, and physical education, leaving an indelible mark on the countless students fortunate to have been in his classes. As a coach, his leadership saw St. Joe's varsity baseball teams win more than 130 games and two Georgetown Cups, while his football teams achieved a remarkable 97-7-4 record with eight undefeated seasons.
In 1966, Joe assumed the role of Athletic Director, guiding our athletic programs to new heights. Under his leadership, St. Joe's athletics expanded from six to 16 sponsored sports programs, including the addition of junior varsity and freshman levels. He recognized the importance of belonging and participation in a young man's life. His commitment to excellence resulted in an impressive 273 championships, including 31 Monsignor Martin Supremacy Cups.
In the St. Joe's community, Joe's contributions were recognized by his peers. In 1986, the SJCI Alumni Association named him Man of the Year; in 1996, he was inducted into the SJCI Athletics Hall of Fame, and in 1999, he became a member of the Signum Fidei Society, the highest honor bestowed on St. Joe's alumni. Reflecting on Joe's impact on the SJCI community, longtime friend Bob Schreck '73 said, "I know of no other individual more dedicated to the boys of St. Joe's and our Lasallian tradition. Joe's priorities were his faith, his family, and St. Joe's. He taught us more than just history; he taught respect, discipline, and dedication. His influence will be felt by the thousands of young men whose lives he touched."
In the broader Western New York community, Joe's contributions did not go unnoticed. He received numerous accolades, including being named the 1981 Knights of Columbus Man of the Year. His commitment to high school football was recognized with the NYS Catholic H.S. Athletics Director of the Year award in 2007 and the prestigious John D. Burns Award for outstanding support and dedication. In 2012, Joe was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
This past spring, the newly renovated baseball field at St. Joe's was dedicated in Joe's honor. Varsity Baseball Coach Paul Nasca '86 was humbled by the opportunity to help honor Joe and "tell stories to our players about the legendary contributions Joe made to make our athletic program one of the finest in New York State. With the dedication plaque behind home plate, we will remember and share all of those stories with future generations of student-athletes."
As we mourn the loss of a St. Joe's legend, let us remember and celebrate the incredible life of Joe Wolf. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Chris Fulco