Ralph Roger Wolfe

He is survived by his sons Roger and Michael, daughters-in-law Karen and Mary, and grandchildren Virginia, Ben, Peter, and Sarah.

Roger was born in Amesville, Ohio, on November 11, 1939, to Ralph Roy Wolfe and Irene Lucille Wolfe (Jago). He spent his early years in Glouster, Ohio, raised by Irene, surrounded by his extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He graduated from Glouster High School in 1957, excelling as a student and athlete. Roger remained connected to his hometown, visiting regularly and supporting the public school system.

Roger attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he was an enthusiastic member of Delta Tau Delta and man about campus. He earned his degree in economics in 1961. At OU he met his wife, Ann Elizabeth Breitenstein, asking her out on a dare after she was named homecoming queen. Roger and Beth were married in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on June 15, 1963, shortly after Beth's graduation.

Roger and Beth spent the early years of their marriage stationed in Germany, enjoying an extended honeymoon traveling through Europe. Roger then served in Korea and two tours in Vietnam while Beth was home taking care of Roger A., born in 1966, and Michael, born in 1968. After returning from Vietnam, Roger received an MBA from Syracuse University and a MS Education degree from Long Island University.

His career led him to West Point, the Pentagon, and the War College in Carlisle, PA. He was stationed several times in Fort Knox, Kentucky, where Roger A. and Michael were born. He prioritized his family over his military career, including taking an assignment in Pittsburgh, allowing Roger and Michael to attend excellent schools close to their extended family in Pittsburgh and Ohio. After serving as Chief of Staff of Fort Knox, Roger ended his military career at Fort Monroe, VA, where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and Post Commander. He retired from the Army as a Colonel in 1992, moved to Williamsburg, and ran a local nonprofit, Community Health Charities of Virginia.

Anyone who knew Roger said the same thing: he lit up a room. He had an insatiable curiosity and could talk for hours with anyone from any walk of life. Roger A. and Mike fondly recall their friends coming over to hear Roger hold court. He was known for his many “Roger-isms,” including “like a monkey humping a football” and “does the pope s–t in the woods?” He will be sorely missed by his wide circle of friends, especially those at his retirement community, Patriots Colony, where he was known as “The Mayor.”

Roger A. and Michael credit their business and life successes to their parents’ unconditional love and support. Roger loved his grandchildren and never hesitated to regale them with stories and well-meaning advice. They will miss their grandfather dearly, although he lives on through Roger A. and Michael, whom they regularly remind, “You sound just like Pop-Pop!”

The family will hold a service at Arlington National Cemetery in 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or to the Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe, where Roger served on the board. (https://fortmonroe.org/visit/casemate-museum/).

Condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.