Aubrey DeWolfe

DeWolfe, Aubrey B.
Aubrey DeWolfe III, 85, of Newtown, died June 10, 2016. Born March 10, 1931, he was the son of the late Aubrey DeWolfe Jr. and Berthe Jasmin DeWolfe Sherwood. Growing up in Fairfield, Aubrey graduated from Fairfield Preparatory School and subsequently obtained his Bachelor and Master degrees from Fairfield University. Professionally Aubrey was a teacher; he dreamed of being a farmer; always he was a reader/thinker/ poet. Aubrey taught high school English some 35 years at Joel Barlow High School. In the words of one of his students, "We couldn't understand how something as simple as a line of poetry could make him so happy. Years later, I understand the meaning of his poem. I understand the concept of lost time. How I wish I took advantage of the knowledge he wanted so desperately to give us, and how I wish there were more teachers today who love their work as much as he does." Yearning for a simple agrarian life, Aubrey secured goats, and sheep, and ducks, and………… which he tended before setting off to school. Committed to organic gardening long before the concept became commonplace, Aubrey earned certification as a Master Gardner in the second year of the program's existence. He treasured his two-volume book of The Apples of New York and he dabbled in growing apples trying out the Japanese method of bagging each fruit on the tree. He also experimented with bee-keeping, but colony collapse cut that pursuit short. Aubrey's mid-life crisis consisted of a love affair with sailing. He navigated his family around the Sound sometimes sleeping on "the hook" while other times running for a marina. It was on the water that he best tested his family's resilience. Always a reader, Aubrey wrestled with a variety of themes forever pondering the imponderable. When stirred by some idea or experience, he might scratch out a poem and tuck it away showing no one. While not a gregarious person, he did share ideas and books with a few close friends whom he trusted and loved. The librarians knew him well and they called him after his retirement when patrons appeared seeking help with their English. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce, their daughter, Virginia DeWolfe DiCesare of Easton, and their son, Mark David DeWolfe of Sandy Hook and their families: son-in-law Paul DiCesare and grandchildren -- Christina and Julia, and daughter- in-law Judith DeWolfe and grandchildren -- Ali and Andy. Aubrey was a fine man. We all loved him very much and we will miss him dearly. We will be remembering Aubrey and celebrating his life on Thursday, June 16th at 11:00 am at The Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street, (at the flagpole) Newtown. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Faith Food Pantry, Sandy Hook, CT 06482. To leave an online condolence visit www.honanfh.com