Sheldon Harvey Wolfe was born to Dorothy and Robert Wolfe on June 25, 1933. He grew up in San Francisco where he graduated from Lowell High School. Later he attended UC Berkeley and rooted on those Bears for the rest of his life, attending countless Big Games, which became a family tradition. He served in the U.S. Navy for three years. On a fortuitous night off, he met the love of his life, Rhoda Levit and they married in 1958. After the Navy, he went to Boalt School of Law in Berkeley, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding student whose mind was as deep as he was tall.
After receiving his law degree, he and Rhoda moved to San Francisco, where Sheldon began his career as an attorney with Pettit and Martin until their closure. Later he joined the law firm of Steefel, Levitt and Weiss, which was absorbed by Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, from which he retired at age 84. Sheldon loved his work and was also passionate about travel and learning and sports, and he devoted himself to giving back to his beloved community.
Sheldon was deeply committed to strengthening the Jewish community and bonds with the State of Israel, which he visited countless times. Sheldon was very generous with his time and resources. He offered his leadership as a volunteer for many organizations, including The Marine Mammal Center, Guide Dogs for the Blind, The SF Jewish Community Center, Jewish National Fund, and UC Hastings College of Law. He was Board president of the Bay Area Council of Soviet Jewry, President of Congregation Sherith Israel, President of the board of URJ Camp Swig, and campaign chair of Jewish Federation. But nothing mattered more to Sheldon than his family. He was a loving husband of 64 years to Rhoda Levit Wolfe, beloved father to Rabbi Greg Wolfe (Julie Hochman) and Amy Wolfe. Wonderful grandfather to Ariella Wolfe Maurer (Nick Maurer), Noah Wolfe, Maya Wolfe & Jasper Wolfe. He was deeply loved by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sally and Dr. Gil Gradinger, nieces and nephews and extended family and many, many friends.
Shel passed away peacefully on September 2, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. He will be greatly missed and leaves an inspiring legacy, having touched innumerable lives with his humor, wisdom, work ethic, and passion for his SF sports teams. Shel will be remembered for deeply caring for his friends and family and for making the world a better place.
Contributions in Sheldon's memory can be made to a memorial fund at Congregation Sherith Israel dedicated to sponsoring lectures fostering a love and appreciation for Israel, which was so dear to Sheldon. Please be sure to note that your donation is in Sheldon's memory. <https://www.sherithisrael.org/form/general-fund.html>