Former Westmoreland museum chairman loved art, family

If there was a painting of Western Pennsylvania anywhere in the world, chances are Bruce Wolf could track it down.

The former natural gas executive loved art, especially works that depicted his beloved hometown of Pittsburgh.

“One of his goals was to collect and retain artwork of Western Pennsylvania and try to bring it back to Western Pennsylvania,” said his son, Oliver Wolf.

He found paintings depicting Pittsburgh in Japan and other far-flung locales.

Mr. Wolf had an extensive private collection and served on the boards of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art and the Heinz History Center.

He was chairman of the Westmoreland Museum for about 10 years, during which the museum underwent a major expansion.

“He brought a lot to the table because of his empathy for the art world, especially as it reflected the city of Pittsburgh,” said Judith O’Toole, former executive director of the museum.

Bruce Wolf of Pittsburgh died Saturday, Jan. 4., 2020. He was 71.

He was born April 13, 1948, to the late Sidney C. and Ann Doris (Zimmer) Wolf.

He grew up in Squirrel Hill, and his father owned two grocery stores.

He graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in 1966 and the University of Pittsburgh Law School in 1970.

Mr. Wolf spent most of his career as general counsel for Atlas Energy.

He loved nature and the outdoors.

“He was a responsible steward of the environment in his energy work, and he knew that it was important to be respectful of the environment,” said his son, J. Kendal Wolf.

His sons described him as hardworking and constantly curious, always learning new things.

Despite the demands of his work, he always prioritized family.

“Anytime I needed advice or help with something… he was there to talk,” Oliver Wolf said.

Regular trips to see the Pirates and Steelers were family highlights.

Mr. Wolf never lost his warm, simple sense of humor, O’Toole said.

“When we were sitting around, plotting the future of the museum or talking about other ideas, he had this really wonderful giggle,” she said.

Mr. Wolf served as chairman of the Duquesne Club’s Art and Library Committee and lent works from his collection to The Frick Pittsburgh.

Mr. Wolf is survived by his wife, Sheryl Kendal Wolf; his sons; and two grandchildren.

His funeral was held Monday at Ralph Schugar Chapel in Pittsburgh, with burial at Elrod Cemetery, Temple B’nai Israel in White Oak.

Memorial donations can be made to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh or the National Pancreas Foundation in Bethesda, Md.