Hoby Wolf, longtime political columnist, community activist and stalwart of life in South Carroll, died unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

He was 85.

Word of Hoby’s passing spread quickly on Tuesday, circulated by the close-knit Carroll County community he cherished. He was considered by many as a pillar on the landscape of Carroll County.

He had served for many years as a columnist for The Eldersburg Eagle, The Northern News, The Westminster Eagle, The Carroll Eagle, The Carroll County Times and the Carroll Standard.

At the Eagle, he was an enduring symbol of the paper’s opinion page, which he shared with supporters, cordial rivals and even, on occasion, a few detractors. He welcomed them all, and above all enjoyed the mix of opinions and the freedom to express them.

To the Eagle staff, he was a constant source of energy, support, optimism and determination. He truly had an eagle’s spirit.

Hoby was known throughout the county, and was a member of numerous political clubs, as well as organizations such as the South Carroll Business Association. He was also a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Sykesville. His interests were as broad as his circle of friends -- he was equality at home at a meeting of the South Carroll Business Association as he was with the Christian Farmers Outreach Mission.

Hoby's interests included farming and flying as a private pilot, and in years past he hosted charity fundraisers at his airport Wolf Field (1W5) in Eldersburg. He had seen his community of Eldersburg grow and change over the years, yet enjoyed the prosperity of the area as much as he fondly remembered its simpler times.

He was a comedic entertainer, and shared many laughs and jokes with all he knew.

But amid his comic ability, there was a strong sense of right and wrong, and the honesty to share his opinions with strength and conviction.

He enjoyed the simple things of life, and though he had many successes in his business and personal life, he counted among his most cherished moments the time spent with family and friends, from vacations abroad with his dear wife, Pat, to legendary gatherings at Deep Creek Lake.

Hobart Daniel Wolf Jr., was Born July 14, 1924, in St. Paul, Minn. He was the son of the late Hobart Daniel Wolf, Sr. and Katherine Herman Wolf. He was the husband of Patricia Welk Wolf, his wife of 49 years.

Hoby graduated from Brecks School for Boys in St. Paul. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in World War II, and was a translator, working with German prisoners.

He attended then-Towson State College, then graduated from Drake University, 1950. He attended Carnegie Tech Institute, studying language.

In the 1950s he hosted a radio show for WKRC in Cincinnati.

Hoby became involved with motion pictures, writing and directing. In 1960, Wolf is listed as one of the producers in a short film documentary called, “Beyond Silence,” which was about Gallaudet University in Washington, a school for hearing disabled students.

In 1963, he formed his own advertising, public relations company, Pine Studios Inc and in later years opened one of the first telecommunications businesses known as Telerep 800.

Always interested in politics, he was a candidate for Carroll County Commissioner in 1966 and 1970. After his retirement, he became a political analyst and citizen's advocate, giving voice to many who shared his desire for open and effective government.

Surviving him, in addition to his wife, are son and daughter-in-law: Hobart Daniel, III and Angela Wolf of Essex, daughters and sons-in-law: Dr. Katherine "Kelly" and Trent Propst of Concord, N.C., and Kara and Craig Baker of Westminster, sisters and brother-in-law: Marilyn and Dr. Charles Carroll of Concord, N.C., and Punta Gorda, Fla., and Diane Forgrave of Great Falls, Va., brother-in-law: Eugene Welk of Hatfield, Pa., and grandchildren: William and Patrick Propst, Collin, Ian and Meghan Baker and Hobart Daniel Wolf, IV. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville on Thursday from 2 to 4  p.m.and 6 to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 11a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 3100 Monkton Road, Monkton. Interment will be private.

Those desiring may make memorial donations to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct, Glen Allen, VA 23060.  

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user comments (3)

user jerseydevil1 says...

Rest in peace Hoby. You will be missed!

Posted 4:37 PM, 02.17.10

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user kristinaprimoff says...

I've never met anyone so genuinely kind and decent as Hoby Wolf was. He will truly be missed by many people. Pat, I am so sorry for your loss, if you need anything please call, my family loves you.

Posted 9:33 AM, 02.18.10

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user jed3d says...

Only met him once, after the ground breaking for the new S. Carroll Sr. Center, but he spoke with me for quite some time. Agree or disagree (mostly I agreed) with his columns, he loved this county and will be sorely missed. Prayers to his family and friends.

Posted 12:00 AM, 03.04.10

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