A local icon in the pediatric world has passed away.

Richard S. “Dick” Wolf, M.D., who served as medical director of Norton Children’s Hospital from 1983 through 1995, passed away Oct. 17, 2023. In addition to being a well-known local pediatrician for 30 years, Dr. Wolf was instrumental in building Norton Children’s Hospital into what it is today: Kentucky’s only full-service, freestanding children’s hospital.

During his tenure, he helped design the current Norton Children’s Hospital building on Chestnut Street in downtown Louisville. He also was instrumental in the hospital becoming the pediatric teaching facility for the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Dr. Wolf was part of several advances that are still part of Norton Children’s Hospital today. Most notable is that he was the spark for creating the hospital’s “Just for Kids” hot air balloon logo. He also spearheaded the creation of what is today Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness, Safety City and the Kentucky Poison Control Center of Norton Children’s Hospital.

Until his death, Dr. Wolf also was honorary chair emeritus for Norton Healthcare’s board of trustees. He also had been a member of the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation board of trustees and was a member of the Wade Mountz Heritage Society.

Norton Healthcare’s board of trustees honored Dr. Wolf in 2011, making a proclamation that Norton Children’s Hospital’s “growth, success and excellence would not have happened without you.” The board made him “honorary chair emeritus” and named the physician’s lounge in Norton Children’s Hospital after him. Please join us in remembering Dr. Wolf. His contributions have impacted thousands of children across generations in our community.