Audley "Buddy" Burton Wolfe Jr.

Buddy Wolfe (Audley Burton Wolfe Jr.) of Washington, DC, died on January 16, 2026. Buddy was born in Charleston WV to Audley Burton Wolfe and Annamary Swindler Wolfe on September 7, 1952. Buddy had two sisters, Phyllis Anne Wolfe and Lizabeth Lee Wolfe. He lived in WV through his college years and the early parts of his career, then in Columbus, OH for 16 years. Buddy has been a resident of Washington, DC since 2001.

In every phase of his life, Buddy was a dynamic and engaged person, at home, at school, at work, and in his community. Buddy started his career at the WV Department of Welfare, working both in the field and in public policy. He earned his Master of Public Administration in 1976 and began a long career in fund raising consultancy, first serving in senior development roles at West Virginia University and then at Ohio State University. He later worked with an array of non-profit organizations, doing key fundraising campaigns for organizations such as the New York City Police Foundation and the Salvation Army. More recently, Buddy volunteered with Capitol Hill Village to support their fundraising efforts. The funds raised for all these important causes have impacted literally millions of people.

Buddy had a larger-than-life and multi-faceted personality. He was generous of spirit and embraced the world around him. He dearly loved his wife and partner of fifty years, Gay Gilbert, and both their extended families. Buddy was a fierce advocate for his community and country. He actively volunteered in community and advocacy activities throughout his life. He loved theater – both as a patron and a participant. He was an avid reader of both history and fiction, a news junky, a foodie and amazing cook, a traveler, a gamer, and a lover of animals (especially the many cats in his family). He loved sharing all his interests with friends and family.

While Buddy’s immediate family predeceased him, from the beginning of their relationship he adopted Gay’s family as his own, becoming more of a son, brother, father and grandfather than an in-law or uncle to them. Gay's parents, siblings, and two generations of nieces and nephews were the beneficiaries of Buddy’s gifts of love. He enlarged their worlds with his expansive political and cultural knowledge. Buddy was the “fun uncle”. Whether it was teaching kids to game, giving them rides in his Corvette, or bringing fake mustaches for a fun photo op, always creating memories to last for their lifetimes. He took great joy and pride in their accomplishments over the years. He was a cherished member of Gay’s family and will be sorely missed.

Per Buddy’s wishes, there will be no public service. His wife, Gay, requests that you remember him fondly and keep him in your hearts. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Buddy’s memory to Capitol Hill Village’s Annual Fund, or to the Capitol Hill Village Genderson Fund which makes Village membership available to all, regardless of income.