Obituary of Jeffrey M. Wolcott

Olean, NY Jeffrey M. Wolcott, 73, passed away Friday (January 29, 2021) at his home, in the loving presence of his family. Born May 13, 1947 in Olean, he was the son of F. Joseph and Margaret Cawley Wolcott, Sr. On August 12, 1978 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perry, he married Jane Austin who survives. Jeffrey was a 1965 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School. It was without question that his choice would be to continue his education at St. Bonaventure University, a community that he admired his whole life. He received his undergraduate degree in 1969 and later received his master's degree in Education. His love for the Bonaventure community included not only his passionate support for the sports programs, especially Bonnies basketball and women's soccer, but for the Franciscan spirit, which he embodied to its fullest extent. He began a teaching career at Bolivar Central School, now Bolivar-Richburg Central School, principally as an instructor of history, economics and government in both the middle and high school grades. He and his family moved to Olean in 1981 and he continued his 39 years of teaching in Bolivar. He was its baseball coach and was a class advisor for many years. He had the school yearbook dedicated to him numerous times, and during his last year of teaching before retiring in 2007, was named "Teacher of the Year". Jeffrey was a member of St. John's Church in Olean and was an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He also volunteered with the Olean Food Pantry. He leaves behind his loving wife Jane; 3 children Katherine (Anthony) Rizzo of Buffalo, Joseph Wolcott of Olean and Sarah Wolcott of Allentown, PA; 1 loving grandson Sean Wolcott Rizzo; 1 brother Jerome (Carol) Wolcott of Pittsburgh, PA; a brother-in-law John (Janet) Austin of Kingwood, TX, 2 nephews and a niece Keil Austin, Andy Austin and Erin (Alex) Austin. He was predeceased by a brother F. Joseph "Jody" Wolcott, Jr. No services are being held at this time. A memorial mass will take place at a later date and will be announced for all to attend. Memorials, if desired, may be made to The Bonaventure Fund, PO Box 2519, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778 (or sbu.edu for link to the fund). Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.