Jack WERBOFF

WERBOFF, Jack Jack Werboff, Ph.D., of Bolton, CT., beloved husband of Sandra (Sawitzke) Werboff, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 9, following what he always described as a "wonderful life." Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on April 24, 1928, Jack was the son of the late Fanny (Davis) and Harry Werboff. After earning his doctorate in psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, Jack had a long and distinguished career in both research and clinical psychology and as a professor of psychology, including positions at Wayne State University and the Lafayette Clinic in Detroit; the University of Maine and the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor; and culminating in his tenure as a professor at the University of Connecticut where he was a member of the founding faculty of the Dental School. Following his retirement from the University of Connecticut as professor emeritus, Jack spent 30 years as founder and president of Counseling Affiliates in Glastonbury, CT. Although Jack loved being a teacher, he was also an avid student of life, delighting in meeting new people, hearing their unique stories, and always serving as an excellent nonjudgmental listener. Jack was also very proud of his active duty service in the US Air Force during the Korean War as a clinical psychologist at Eglin Air Force Base and felt deep compassion for the victims of the psychological scars that war can inflict. In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his dear friend and former wife Elaine Werboff of Mansfield Center, CT, the mother of their five cherished children of whom Jack was always so proud: Judy Werboff of Atlanta, GA; Susan Werboff of Manchester, CT; Barbara Werboff and her partner Bill Copeland of Atlanta, GA; Neal Werboff and his wife Kathy Carroll of Columbia, CT; and Ann Werboff and her husband Michael Reife of Glastonbury, CT. Jack also leaves behind his granddaughters, Amanda Werboff of Hartford, CT; Capt. Ericka Carroll, DVM, and Jessica Carroll. Jack is also survived by three nephews and two nieces, the children of his three brothers who predeceased him: Larry, Sol, and Mac. Jack also leaves behind his sister-in-law June Werboff. .Jack's family, including his nieces and nephews, were the light of his life and helped him celebrate all the important events in the family including the famous Werboff Thanksgiving celebrations. Jack also leaves behind his father-in-law Louis Sawitzke of Torrington, CT; his sister-in-law Susan Sloan and her husband Ronald of Norfolk, CT; and his brother-in-law Richard Sawitzke and his wife Patty and their 2 children of Glastonbury, CT. Jack had wide-ranging interests outside of the field of psychology, including classical music, art, the theater, reading, cooking (who can forget his yummy cucumber soup), movies, gardening, and building a large addition to his house. These interests led to the formation of life-long friendships, most notably Bill Gensel and his wife Pat of North Carolina, Sally (Sarah) who helped him realize his dream of creating the marvelous giraffes that stand guard at his house, and his dear friend Joyce. In his business, Jack formed lasting friendships, especially with his office manager and good friend at Counseling Affiliates, Jeanne Porter; Angela Bevan who helped steer Jack through his workdays; his former secretary Sharon Heritage, who was a constant support to Jack during his medical challenges with her phone calls; and Cathy Arnold, MSW, a recent but valued friend. Jack remembered fondly all the counselors who passed through Counseling Affiliates over the last 30 years. Jack also was wise and humble enough to realize that he could learn much from his patients, and he was especially fortunate to have known Bill, Jonathan, and Lisa and Peter; Jack always remembered them even after he retired and wished the very best for them. In his Bolton neighborhood, Jack was fortunate to have had the friendship of Al Ahearn who like clockwork brought in Jack's newspaper every day and joined him for a cup of tea and a chat and Dave Monahan who by lending Jack a helping hand allowed him to remain in his home a few more precious months. Also not to be forgotten in Jack's life are Paul Armstrong and the staff at Hanger Prosthetics in Vernon who truly put Jack back on his feet; Dr. Gregory Walsh and his wonderful staff, Dr. Russell Ciafone, and Dr. Steven Ruby, all of whom orchestrated the care that allowed Jack to live a productive happy life for the last several years. Jack also was comforted and entertained daily by his three wonderful "rescue" kitties, Daisy, Sammy, and Ollie. In his final months, Jack received skillful care and kindness from the staff at Vernon Manor and St. Francis Hospital; his family will remember them all with gratitude. Jack's family can never adequately thank the wonderful nurses and social workers of Vitas Hospice in Glastonbury for being Jack's guardian angels during the last days of his life. All who knew Jack were impressed by the courage with which he confronted and surmounted his medical challenges of the past decade. Jack saw no value in complaining but greeted each day with cheerfulness and optimism and would want to remind us all that as we make our way through life, we should always strive to "leave our very best message." We love you and will always miss you, our dear Jack. Calling hours for Jack will be held on Thursday (August 12, 2010), from 5-8 p.m. at the Mulryan Funeral Home on 725 Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury, CT. A private funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity.