WILLIAM WASCH

1931 - 2021

WASCH--William Karl, Sr. William Karl Wasch Sr., loving husband and father, a vital and generous member of the Wesleyan and Middletown CT communities, died on August 28 2021, aged 90. Bill was born in Mt. Vernon, NY in 1931 to immigrant parents, Lina and Karl. He was a gifted student in high school, painted houses with his father in the summers and, upon graduation, was awarded the Olin scholarship at Wesleyan. Bill loved his years in college and his fraternity brothers at Alpha Delta Phi, and after graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1952, was awarded the Bronfman Fellowship to attend business school at Columbia University. Next up was a stint in the US Navy, followed by a brief career in the oil industry, first with Standard Oil and later at Sinclair. In 1958 he married Susan Devereux Beck, the love of his life. In 1964 Bill left corporate America and moved to Middletown, CT to begin a career at Wesleyan and a lifelong engagement with the city of Middletown. As Director of Development and Alumni Relations during the 60s he kept older alumni connected to an evolving and sometimes turbulent campus. In 1985 he began his third career as a consultant and advocate for healthy aging, during which time he wrote the book, Home Planning for Your Later Years. Bill was a lifetime member of Rotary International, the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, and served on many boards and commissions for the City of Middletown. He and Susan continued supporting Wesleyan after his retirement, developing and endowing the Susan B. and William K. Wasch Center for Retired Faculty. In 2012 Bill was awarded the Baldwin Medal from Wesleyan University for his loyal support and advancement of the University and the Middletown community. Bill was optimistic, big-hearted, and always curious. He was devoted to his family, his faith and Wesleyan. He was a steadfast member of The Church of the Holy Trinity. His mind was sharp and expansive - no one appreciated the value of a liberal arts education more than he did. He valued the gifts he was given and the importance of mentorships. Throughout his adult life he actively sought out ways to support and mentor students, alumni, and friends in his community. Together with Susie, they created an open and welcoming home. Bill saw the best in people and actively maintained and encouraged relationships with family, friends and alumni all over the world. He traveled widely and boldly, but was just as content walking his dogs in the woods and sharing time and a glass of wine with Susie down at their pond. He is survived by his children, Christina E. Wasch of Middletown, CT, William K. Wasch Jr. (Natalia Vovk) of Munich, Heidi H. Wasch (Robert O. Leversee) of Seattle and Frederick C. Wasch (Elizabeth S. Wasch) of Pennington, NJ, and his grandchildren Sophia, Maya, Emily, Marc, Samuel and Eleanor, as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in the spring. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice com.