- Date Of Birth: February 5, 1928
- Date Of Death: March 27, 2022
- State: Connecticut
Thomas V. DeWolf, 94, of Newington, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2022 in his home. He was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn (Peterson) DeWolf. Thomas was born in Black Hall, Old Lyme on February 5, 1928, son of the late Claude and Susan (Sanderson) DeWolf. Thomas and Marilyn married in 1950 and soon moved to Newington where Thomas designed and built their lifetime home on Juniper Street with his own hands, and the help of family and friends. Thomas was a master carpenter by trade, and continued building, updating and improving homes for a countless number of families in the area during his lifetime. Thomas is survived by his children Thomas and his partner Susan of Penfield, NY, Peter and his wife Maggie of Newington, Janet and her husband Dan of Nantucket, MA, Nancy and her partner Jack of Weymouth, MA, and Steven and his wife Lisa of Newington. He also leaves his grandchildren Dyanna, Kelly, Krissy, Sarah, Danny, Robin, Hilery, Emily, Rosemary, Roberto, Erin, and Jason and their partners. Great grandchildren are Dekyn, Karsyn, Kallie-Rae, J.D., Evan, Lily, Joey, Sadie, Zoey, and Riley. He is also survived by his brother (in-law) Fred Peterson who visited them every week. Additionally, there are numerous nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Thomas was predeceased by his sisters Sue Nielson, Dorothy Manning, and Jean Steinberg. Thomas was a devoted catholic and a lifetime member of St. Mary Church, Newington. Thomas was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree. The Archbishop awarded Thomas with the St. Joseph Medal of the Archdiocese of Hartford at St. Joseph Cathedral in 2011, the medal honors volunteers for exemplary service. Thomas brought his carpentry skills to the church and rectory for many projects over the years, including building the elevated platforms for the Choir pews at St. Mary Church. Thomas helped the maintenance man at St. Mary whenever he needed a hand. He also did work at the house where the Sisters resided in Newington. He was always helping others, Mom often told the story of how a Nun at St. Mary was locked in a room at the Rectory from a broken lock on the door, and Tom leaned a ladder to the second floor window and climbed in to “rescue” the Nun. Thomas served his country in two wars. He joined the US Army after high school and served in World War II as a draftsman topographer (map maker) until the war ended. Thomas also served in the 561st Construction Company, Army 84th Engineer Battalion in the Korean War as a carpenter, and he recalled building and repair work at the Freedom Gate Bridge, that required nailing 2×16 boards on edge each day. The metal tracks of the Army Tanks that crossed the bridge would chew through 2×16 boards and the soldiers would have to replace the boards almost daily. We cherish a photo of young Tom by the 84th Engineers Sign reading “We can fix anything but a broken heart”. Thomas enjoyed the outdoors, camping and canoeing with his family across New England. Our family often camped with lifetime family friends the Harrington’s’. Our family recalls many fond memories of camping trips to favorite places of Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod, and Sebago Lake in Maine. And a few day trips in the canoe along Sebago Lake, up the Crooked River through the locks to Naples Maine and back. Dad loved to cook for the family when camping, baking delicious Peach and Cherry Cobblers in cast iron Dutch ovens over the fire and coals. And those delicious Blueberry pancakes made from scratch at camp and at home. At home Dad picked fresh apples from trees he planted in the yard and would make apple sauce with the extra apple harvest.Thomas was a long time member of the Boy Scouts of America, he joined the Sea Scouts in Old Lyme as a boy. Thomas served as Scoutmaster of BSA Troop 316 in Newington, and continued volunteering for many years as a Commissioner for the local packs and troops. Thomas was awarded the BSA Silver Beaver award, that recognizes Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council. Thomas inspired his sons and others to join scouts, and had many lifetime friends from scout troops in the Nutmeg District. And by his example, he encouraged others to volunteer in scouting and their community. Thomas led many scout canoe trips down the CT River, the Salmon River, and other places of interest in CT. And the scouts also enjoyed and learned how to bake Peach and Cherry Cobblers.Thomas was a calm, patient and kind man. I recall one time Dad and I were installing a large bay window at a home in Wethersfield that had terrific view. We wrestled to maneuver the heavy window into place around the bushes in front of the house. Unfortunately, one window pane cracked against the bush, and Dad did not curse, or get angry. He calmly said we will order the replacement and install it when it comes in. Thomas was one of the Greatest Generation of Americans, and we indeed lost a great one. As the 84th Engineers sign said, “We can fix anything but a broken heart”. We know the loving memories of our Dad will someday help heal our broken hearts.
Source link
