Joe Earl Wolfe

Joseph Earl "Joe" Wolfe passed away on March 30, 2025, in Winter Garden, Florida, at the age of 92. Born on December 17, 1932, at Orlando Hospital, the son of Joseph Carlton and Edna Wolfe, Joe grew up in Umatilla and Winter Garden. Joe’s grandparents were Joseph M and Laura E Wolfe. He attended the University of Florida in Gainesville before beginning a career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, inspecting produce and vegetables across the country. In 1955, Joe married Dorothy Ellen Lemex. Tragically, she passed away in an automobile accident the following year. Joe then moved to Milford, Delaware to care for their infant son and began working at Draper King Cole Food Processing Company in Milton, Delaware in 1957, retiring as Vice President Sales in 1987. During his time in Delaware, he also co-opened and managed Chez La Mer, the first French restaurant in Rehoboth Beach.

In 1987, Joe returned to Winter Garden to care for his mother until her passing in 1997. He also worked as a cast member at Disney World's Magic Kingdom—a role he fondly described as “the best job” he ever had because it allowed him to bring joy to others. In 1997, Joe married Sarah Tunney Wolfe. The couple lived briefly in Washington D.C. before returning to Winter Garden to renovate Joe’s childhood home and travel extensively together. Joe is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sarah Tunney Wolfe; his son Joseph Ashley Wolfe, daughter Jacqueline Jackson (Oglesby); grandchildren Christopher Wolfe (Kimberly), Veronica Figueroa (Carlos), Tiffany Hagans (Tyrell ), Bryan Mayes (Territa), DeMarius Jackson, Jarrett Jackson (Brittany), Joi Jackson; great-grandchildren Anthony Penawell, Diego Figueroa, Kassandra Greenly (Brandon), Thalia Campbell, Shannon, Tyson, Bryan Jr., Brianne, Amia, Amar, Johan, Jade, and Zaden Jackson, and great great grandson Giavani Penawell; plus numerous other beloved family members. He was predeceased by great-grandson Jose Hernandez. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.