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 in 1964 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, Bill’s 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 Bill’s 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 for 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, his son-in-law, Matthew, his two cherished grandchildren, Lyla (his “Lylabel”) and Scarlett (his “Peanut”), his twin sister Cherris 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 Bill’s 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 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.
(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)
