Philip Clay Wolf

Truro – Philip Clay Wolf passed away surrounded by family after a brief illness at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston on March 16, 2021. Born July 2, 1956 in Bronxville, NY, he was the son of Stanley and Marcelle (Lowenstein) Wolf.

Philip is survived by his wife of 38 years Carol Ann Hutzelman; his son Graham Wolf of Los Angeles, CA; his daughter Clayelle Wolf and her husband Cory Sacks of Truckee, CA; his brothers Peter (Susan) of Sarasota, FL, and Ronald of St. Augustine, FL; his sister in laws Susan Hutzelman (Robert, d.) and Diane (Glen) Shuart, and his niece, nephews, and cousins.

Entrepreneur, inventor and great communicator, Philip was a coveted business leader who mentored hundreds of young careers and guided the business decisions of myriad colleagues. Philip offered his ideas and advice as easily as he shared a fabulous home cooked meal or well shaken martini.

With an uncanny knack for predicting future trends, Philip founded PhoCusWright in 1994. There he created, along with his wife Carol, one the most respected and influential travel conference and research suppliers in the world. His no holds barred attitude, mesmerizing speeches and astute interviewing skills were irreproachable. Philip served as board director and advisor to multiple travel and technology companies, and was treasurer of the Pamet Yacht Club in Truro, MA. Prior to PhoCusWright, Philip worked at online travel pioneer Travelmation, which was later acquired by Rosenbluth International (now part of American Express).

Philip received his BA from Duke University in Durham, NC, and an MBA from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

Philip was an explorer with an insatiable appetite to meet new people and discover diverse cultures and ways of life. He and Carol traveled the world extensively, often bringing gifts and sharing their passions for fine food and history. However, Philip was most happy with his family and close friends shucking oysters at home in Truro; cruising in his beloved Boston Whaler, Lobo; or streaming a Yankees game. As comfortable in the kitchen as the boardroom, at the helm of his boat or on skis, studying history or completing projects in his workshop, Philip approached everything with gumption, determination, and an exuberant and generous spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you help carry the Philip torch! Be generous with wisdom, invest in people and organizations you love, cheers often, go on the boat, explore, and enjoy life with no regrets. There are no planned services at this time, but the family happily encourages everyone to safely gather privately to celebrate Philip's "palpable" passion for life. If you would like to make a donation, please support the National Audubon Society in Philip's honor.