Sidney D. Wolk - 1935-2024 - (AGERO Founder)

[TowNews]

 

SIDNEY WOLK Obituary

WOLK, Sidney Successful Entrepreneur and Company Leader When Sidney Wolk walked into a room, you knew your day was about to get a little bit sunnier. Whether it was a gentle ribbing, a perfectly-delivered joke, a pat on the back or an affirming word of encouragement, Sid loved to connect with people. His authentic humanity touched many lives, and he was adored in return.

 

Sidney Wolk was born in 1935, the son of a plumber and a homemaker. He grew up in Dorchester in a six family walk-up and attended Boston Latin School and Boston University before embarking on an entrepreneurial journey that included stints as a shoe salesman, a mattress store franchisee and an insurance agent.

 

In 1972, he founded Cross Country Motor Club (now Agero), which grew to become the largest provider of emergency roadside assistance in the country, covering more than 120 million motorists and helping more than 10 million people annually. The company now serves as the foundation of The Cross Country Group, one of the largest family-owned firms in Massachusetts.

 

Sid's enthusiasm for opportunity, willingness to take risks and true entrepreneurial instincts were the driving force behind the creation of companies that had unique spirit and were recognized for excellence nationally and internationally. Working into his late 80's, Sid loved what he did and remained grateful every day, saying "I would rather be lucky than smart." Sidney was an ordinary man who lived an outsized, extraordinary life. He had relentless optimism and energy, a never-ending inventory of colorful jokes and a genuine interest and concern for those around him.

 

Over the course of his long and wonderful life, he was able to build impactful and memorable relationships with people of all types. This included his company's many large corporate clients, thousands of employees and friends from all walks of life. He spread his optimism and good cheer broadly and generously, and over the years hundreds of waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers and others were the beneficiaries of his good-natured banter and quick humor.

 

In 1999, Sidney received the Horatio Alger Award for Distinguished Americans, an honor of which he was extremely proud. But he cherished his personal relationships with family, friends, employees and colleagues far more. A remarkably devoted family man, Sidney and his wife Deanna celebrated their 62nd anniversary the week he died. The couple lived and raised their family in Lexington, moving to Back Bay later in life. They also made homes in Salem, New Hampshire and Delray Beach, FL. Importantly, Sidney and Deanna cared for Sidney's blind mother for over a decade while their kids were young, serving as true role models. Most days would find Sid working tirelessly to build his company, making time with his wife and kids, and taking his mother shopping or for walks around the neighborhood.

 

His care and concern for the needy continued later in life, and as he became more financially successful he gave back prodigiously. His widespread philanthropy included support for the Greater Boston Food Bank, Youth Automotive Training Center, Boston Latin School, Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the creation of the Wolk Center for Memory Health at Hebrew Senior Life. Sidney is survived by his wife Deanna and three children Howard (Candice), Jeffrey (Marla) and Robin (David Klein), as well as eight grandchildren, Emmet, Katy, Mason, Ian, Oliver, Serenity, Addison and Berkeley. He is also survived by his older brother Ted (Barbara) and sister-in-law Barbara Rutstein and an extended family and countless friends who cherished him.

 

The Funeral will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Temple Emunah, at 1PM, in Lexington. Shiva will be held at the Wolk residence in Boston, Monday-Thursday, 1-4pm and 7-9pm. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Center for Innovation at Boston Latin School, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, or the charity of your choice. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/sidney-wolk-obituary?id=56352521

 

UPCOMING SERVICE

Funeral

Sep. 22, 2024

1:00 p.m.

Temple Emunah

 

 

Sidney D. Wolk                                                      David Ferrick

 

A Note from David Ferrick • Chief Executive Officer and President at Agero, Inc.

It is with extreme personal sadness that I share the news that our beloved founder Sid Wolk passed away yesterday. He died peacefully and in comfort. His boundless energy, sense of humor, kindness, and entrepreneurial spirit will forever be the foundation of our company. He always believed the best is yet to come and we will continue to deliver that promise. We will all keep the Wolk family in our thoughts during this difficult time.