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William DeWolf Obituary

Dr. William C. DeWolf, 78, of Southborough, loved and cherished by so many family members, friends and colleagues, passed away Monday, May 24, 2021 at 78 after waging a heroic four and half year battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill dedicated his professional life to the practice of medicine and helping his patients enjoy a prolonged and dignified life. Bill graduated from Northwestern University in1964 and then pursued his passion for medicine at Northwestern University School of Medicine from which he graduated in 1967. In 1997 he received an honorary degree from Harvard University. Bill served as the Chief of Urology of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital (BIDMC) in Boston for over 35 years. To say that Bill's contributions and accomplishments within the medical field are long and distinguished is an understatement of epic proportions. At the end of his prolific career, Bill had amassed a 40 page Curriculum Vitae filled with individual residencies, fellowships, academic appointments, hospital appointments, contributions, honors, memberships, and publications. As any doctor would attest, the family of a doctor shares equally in the sacrifices that come with serving others. Bill believed this deeply, which is why his proudest accomplishment was to have an endowed chair at Beth Israel Deaconess named the Janet & William DeWolf Professor, Surgery/ Urology Harvard Medical School. Aria Olumi, M.D, Bills successor at BIDMC, in sharing the news to colleagues said 'Bill was an icon in the field of urology, a true surgeon-scientist and a model physician. Training generations of physicians over his successful four decades of service at BIDMC, he served as a role model to me and many others.' Over the last few days numerous colleagues have shared sentiments of appreciation and admiration recounting Bills mentorship, fatherly demeanor, wisdom, compassion and his sense of humor. Bill loved watching the Boston sports teams with his family whether from their seats at Gillette Stadium or while enjoying a meal in his living room next to the fire place. He also loved the color purple because of his early days at Northwestern and from his time in Minnesota cheering on the Vikings. Bill loved trips to Ogonquit fo lobsters and loved driving his granddaughters with the top down in his Corvette with the Patriots license plate 'DYNSTY'. He also enjoyed quiet time in his study with the latest urologic study, classical music and a fine cigar. Bill leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Janet, his children Steven and Julia Spencer, his son-in-law, Matthew, his two cherished grandchildren, Lyla (his 'Lylabel') and Scarlett (his 'Peanut'), his twin sister Cherris Grady and husband Paul and his brother Craig and wife Lori, and a large group of family, friends and colleagues that love him and will miss him dearly. We should all be comforted in Bills faith knowing that he will join his son David and his parents Bob and Isabel in heaven. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 28, from 3 to 6 pm at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough. A Funeral service will be held on Saturday at May 29, at 10 am at St Mark's Episcopal Church, 27 Main Street, Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Bill's memory to the William C. DeWolf Visiting Professorship Endowment Fund, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.or St Mark's Episcopal Church, 27 Main Street, Southborough for the specific use in funding future youth mission trips so that the youth of the parish (including his granddaughters) may continue his legacy of serving others. To leave words of condolence to the family, please visit www. MorrisSouthboroughfuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by MetroWest Daily News on May 27, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William DeWolf

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Michael Andrews

July 27, 2023

I was saddened to learn of Dr. DeWolf's passing. He monitored me for several years, making several prostate biopsies a bearable procedure. His caring and personal approach was very comforting. Was always impressed how, every year, he would come out and call my name, and walk me back to the room. After, he would walk be back out, give a handshake, and with a smile "see you next year". The world needs more doctors like him.

Janet Dibelka Nabors/Lynne Dibelka Shipley Walsh, 1st Cousins

October 3, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Robert M. Palter

May 28, 2021

Dr. DeWolf played a significant role in my life. He cured me of prostate cancer in 1997. His calm demeanor and quiet confidence inspired me to have the surgery. I am sorry that he has passed away. My sincere condolences go to his wife and family. He was a remarkable human being to whom I will always be grateful,
Bob Palter Patient

Michael Gram

May 28, 2021

I was extremely fortunate to be referred to Dr. DeWolf in 2002 for a “second opinion”. In our very first meeting, we really “connected”, regaling each other with stories from the campus of our mutual alma mater, Northwestern.

Needless to say, he put me at ease, explaining everything I needed to know in order to feel ok with life-changing surgery. 20 years on and I am so thankful for his skill and compassion. When I meet other men in similar circumstances, I still talk about my experience with Dr.DeWolf.

I pray that you find comfort in my story and others like it.

Sean Carroll

May 27, 2021

An extraordinary person, an extraordinary life.
I first met Bill in 1978 while an undergrad. He was juggling his urology duties at BI, a research lab at (then-named) Sidney Farber, and moonlighting in the ER in New Hampshire. His bedside manner with aspiring young scientists was every bit as compassionate, generous, and supportive as he was to his grateful and fortunate patients.
I am forever grateful for Bill's calm, fatherly wisdom, for the opportunities he provided, and for a lifelong friendship during which the Red Sox (who made being a fan very difficult especially in 1978) finally prevailed!!
Raising a glass tonight to one of the finest human beings one could ever know.

Malcolm Alter

May 27, 2021

Dear family,

I'm very saddened to learn of Dr. DeWolf's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I was a patient of his and found him to be very kind and helpful.

Sincerely,

Malcolm D. Alter

The Staff of Morris Funeral Home

May 27, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Memorial Events
for William DeWolf

May

28

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Vikings (Minnesota)

May

29

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

St Mark s Episcopal Church (Southborough)

Funeral services provided by:

Morris-Johnston Funeral Home Inc.

40 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772

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