Philip Clay Wolf of Truro died on March 16, 2021 surrounded by family at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after a brief illness. He was 64.
Born on July 2, 1956 in Bronxville, N.Y., he was the son of Stanley and Marcelle (Lowenstein) Wolf.
An entrepreneur, inventor, and great communicator, Philip was a sought-after business leader who mentored hundreds of young colleagues and guided myriad business decisions. He 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 trends, Philip founded PhoCusWright in 1994. There he created, with his wife, Carol, a respected and influential travel conference and research supplier. His no-holds-barred attitude, speeches, and interviewing skills were legendary.
Philip served as a director and adviser to many travel and technology companies, and was treasurer of the Pamet Harbor Yacht Club in Truro. Prior to PhoCusWright, he worked at the online travel company Travelmation, which was later acquired by Rosenbluth International (now part of American Express).
Philip received his B.A. from Duke University and an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.
He 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, sharing their passions for fine food and history. He was most happy, however, 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 in 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.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carol Ann Hutzelman; his son, Graham Wolf of Los Angeles; his daughter, Clayelle Wolf, and husband Cory Sacks of Truckee, Calif.; his brothers, Peter and wife Susan of Sarasota, Fla. and Ronald of St. Augustine, Fla.; his sisters-in-law, Susan Hutzelman and Diane Shuart and husband Glen; and his niece, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that his friends remember Philip by their generosity with wisdom, by investing in people and organizations they love, and by enjoying life with no regrets.
There are no planned services. Memorial donations may go to the National Audubon Society. For online condolences, visit nickersonfunerals.com.
