Lyle Wolf, Beloved North Hollywood Teacher, Dies in Vermont

The head of the social studies department left in 1983 to Vermont.

Posted by Mike Szymanski (Editor), January 22, 2012 at 04:10 am

Lyle T. Wolf, a beloved social studies teacher from North Hollywood High School, died in Vermont on Jan. 13 of prostate cancer, according to a nephew. He was 85 years old.

Wolf, of Bethel, Vermont, died at Brookside Nursing Home in White River Junction. A funeral service was held Jan. 15.

Wolf taught history at the school for 24 years and led the social studies department at North Hollywood High School, and in 1983 he and his wife Barbara decided to move to Vermont to start a bed-and-breakfast. (See the news story here.)

Studio City Patch columnist Mary McGrath said, "I do recall hearing that he was a good teacher and a nice man. I'm sure he made a difference in many students' lives."

The teacher's nephew Bruce Blizzard said, "My uncle, former NHHS history teacher, Mr. Wolf, passed away yesterday, Friday January 13, 2012, of prostate cancer, at the age of 85. I would like to hear any stories of him as a teacher, so I can pass it along to my mom. Thanks everyone."

Leave any messages in the COMMENTS area below and we'll get it to the family.

Also see a copy of the school paper with Wolf in it.

Comments + Leave a Comment

Mary McGrath January 22, 2012 at 11:45 am

Other notable teachers at NHHS also included Lyle Reeves, Merle Gould, and Ruth Reiquam, who currently lives in Montana. Cornelia Korney passed away about 5 years ago, but I used to visit her in the Valley from time to time. RIP all you wonderful teachers who enriched our educational experiences.

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teresa mcgrath January 22, 2012 at 11:49 am

thx mike, bruce, and mary for this touching story. our fabulous teachers continue to mold our lives as we recall their instruction from our formative years.

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jeannie thompson January 22, 2012 at 04:10 pm

RIP to Lyle Wolf and much love and support to his family. My mother, Annette Merrill taught at North Hollywood High School most of my childhood. I believe she started there sometime in the late 1940's or early 1950's. She was there up until about 1960 or '61. She taught math and went on to teach at Taft HIgh in Woodland Hills, as well as administrating at other LA High Schools and Jr. Hi's. She passed away about 2 years ago, and I would sure love to talk to her right now and see if she knew Lyle. I remember so many names of teachers from that era that were her friends. I now have all her yearbooks and will look up the name when I return home from vacation. It is so sad to know that this generation is for the most part, gone. Sincerely, Jeannie Merrill Thompson

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Diana Sweeney February 3, 2012 at 01:14 pm

I began teaching at NHHS in 1986 and my classroom was across the hall from Lyle. As a new teacher, I didn't know my way around and Lyle was always there to patiently answer questions, etc. He would check in from time to time to see if everything was going well and was such a generous and supportive colleague. Lyle and your family are in my prayers.
Diana Sweeney

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Gorgiana Alonzo August 24, 2012 at 08:20 pm

Mr. Wolf was my AP History teacher at North Hollywood High along with Mr. Reeves. He and Mr. Reeves were such a funny pair. One particular story is that Mr. Reeves said nobody important ever came from the South (I believe we were on the Civil War at the time). He said it so many times that I wasn't sure if he was kidding or not. I went to Mr. Wolf after class one day and said I thought Harper Lee was from the South and she wrote one of the best novels of all time. He encouraged me to shout that out when Mr. Reeves did it again, which he did, and I raised my hand, and simply said "Harper Lee." Mr. Reeves merely said, "Yep." Wonderful lesson for us. I'm glad he and his wife had a chance to play inn-holders. Just found this site as I received my 40th high school reunion notice. Thanks!

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Eileen December 31, 2012 at 06:46 pm

I was just talking with my family about Mr Wolf. I remember him acting out parts of history during class and he made history come alive. I actually decided to go to college with the intention of becoming a history teacher because Mr Wolf made history fun back in 1975. I only remember a few teachers from high school, but I have never forgot Mr Wolf. He definately made a difference.

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Terry Ruffner January 31, 2013 at 11:01 pm

Mr Lyle had a huge impact on my life
I was a know it all football player His history class kept me intrigued Coach Nielson and coach Roger Smith were also mentors for me

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