William DeWolf

Waterford — William E. DeWolf, 90, of Waterford, passed away, Monday, June 25, 2018, at Green Tree Nursing Facility in Waterford.

Known as Bill or Billy to friends, he was born Feb. 21, 1927 in New London, the son of Frank and Marguerite (Kenyon) DeWolf, the youngest of four, graduating from Bulkeley High School in 1945. It was during his high school years, at age 15, that he met the love of his life, Jean (Matson), whom he married in 1948, and enjoyed 61 years of marriage before her passing in 2010.

A natural and talented musician, Bill was a celebrated and renowned jazz drummer, also excelling at double bass, bass guitar and singing. He started playing music in big bands as a teenager and later performed in The Eddie Turner Trio locally and in New York and Florida. In the late 1950s with his partner, Eddie Turner, they opened the popular nightclub, Fiddler’s 3, which featured disco music. It was first located in Waterford and then Groton, until they retired the business in the late 1970s. Bill continued to play at weddings, restaurants and tune pianos until his 70s.

He lived most of his life on the Niantic River on property his great-grandfather found, enjoying nature and making friends with seagulls who would rap on the window to tell him it was time to feed them!

Gifted with a wonderful sense of humor, Bill was a kind and loving man who will be sorely missed by his family.

He is survived by his daughter, Renee Burrus of Vernon; granddaughter, Jeannine (Frank) Mattison of Colchester; grandson, William “Jerry” Burrus of Cromwell; great-grandchildren, James and Isabel Mattison and Aiden Burrus. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Frausini of Waterford; sisters-in-law, Elfie DeWolf of Waterford, Lillian Quimby of Maine and Ann Matson of New London; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, Jean, he was also predeceased by his brother, Lt. Col. James DeWolf; sister, Jeanette Rager; and son-in-law, James Burrus.

The family wishes to thank Bill’s neighbors — Dan Sullivan, Roger Kenyon and Kathi McDowell. Their kindness and assistance helped Bill live an independent life on the river he loved.

If so desired, donations in his memory may be made to Save the River, Save the Hills, P.O. Box 505, Waterford, CT 06385-0505.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at Jordon Cemetery in Waterford.

Please visit www.byles.com to share memory with the family.