Bernard “Bud” Wolfe’s career history isn’t an unusual one — for three or four men.
The Hillsborough resident attended the U.S. Naval Academy at a time when few Jews did so, and spent two years afloat. He later became a naval architect, designing President Harry S. Truman’s 270-foot yacht, the Williamsburg.
He later built homes, condos, even a bowling alley as a contractor and engineer before attending Stanford Law School in his mid-40s and embarking on a successful second — or was it third, fourth or fifth? — career.
The 87-year-old founding member of Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo died on Aug. 12 in his Hillsborough home.
“He had a great desire for excellence in everything he did. He was very clear about his own thoughts and opinions; he was an independent thinker,” remembered Phyllis Cook, director of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund and a longtime friend.
Wolfe developed much of present-day Hillsborough, and a private family service was held at the Hillsborough home where he and his wife of 64 years, Beverly, resided for 56 years.
Bernard and Beverly Wolfe gave generously to myriad Jewish causes, establishing a fund at the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation’s JCEF and donating to, among others, the Jewish Home, the New Israel Fund, the S.F.-based JCF’s campaign for local emigres and the American fund-raising bodies for numerous Israeli universities.
Wolfe also served as a pro bono lawyer for the San Mateo Legal Aid Society and as a member of the San Mateo County Board of Mental Health. In his spare time, he managed to win the World Championship Domino Tournament three times.
Bernard Mitchell Wolfe is survived by his wife, Beverly; and two children, Dr. Douglas Wolfe of Corvallis, Ore., and Patricia Wolfe of San Rafael. He is also survived by four grandchildren; Jessica Wolfe of Los Angeles, Nicholas Wolfe of Palo Alto, and Tamara Wolfe Ryan and Danielle Ryan, both of Fayetteville, Ark. He is predeceased by his eldest son, Stephen Wolfe.
Contributions may be made to Samaritan House, 1511 S. Claremont Street, San Mateo, CA 94402; Mills-Peninsula Hospital, 1783 El Camino Real, Burlingame, CA 94010; and Mission Hospice, 151 West 20th Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403.