Tom Wolfman

December 20, 1945 - March 19, 2024

George Thomas “Tom” Wolfman passed away at his home, with family by his side on March 19, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born in San Francisco to George and Jean Wolfman, Tom was the middle child, between his brothers, Ron and Rich. A lifelong resident of the Bay Area, he moved to Berkeley as a child (yay Monkey Island!), attended and played golf at San Jose State (where he met Carole), graduated from San Francisco State University, and called the Lamorinda area home with his wife, Carole, and their children, Laura, Tommy and Craig, since 1975.

Always a hard worker, Tom succeeded in every work endeavor he undertook. He shined on the field as a bat boy for Cal’s baseball team in his youth. Once he finished school, he used his incredible people skills, selling cars at Golden Bear Ford. After getting the opportunity to work at Harold Ellis Inc., a Christmas card wholesaler, he quickly showed a gift for the business which allowed for him to take over when Harold retired. He spent 25 years running that business successfully with Carole right by his side, until selling the company in 2000. Tom then became an investor in real estate, primarily in the Berkeley/Emeryville area.

Tom’s greatest passion was his family, which included his daughter, Laura; sons, Tommy and Craig (married to Kelsey); granddaughters, Hannah Ross, Bridget Ross, Claire Ross, and Margaret; and grandsons, Colin, Luke, and Connor. And always by his side until the end was his golden retriever, Poppy, who misses him very much.

Tom’s other passion was golf, in which he excelled his entire life. Golf was a way to enjoy time with those he called friends, talk some trash, and convert many strangers into friends. He was a past president of the Orinda Country Club (1999), where he created many wonderful friendships and where his presence will be forever missed.

Tom was able to travel the world later in life, with golf and biking trips (with the Woolwines!) all over Europe.

Tom was a proud alumnus of Berkeley High, and a lifelong supporter of Cal Baseball (Go Bears!). Along with his brother, Ron, he was in attendance while Cal football played in the Rose Bowl, and won national championships in both basketball and baseball!

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Rich. An informal gathering to celebrate Tom’s life is being scheduled.

We will miss him big time!!