Dale Eugene Wolfe, 90, loving husband, father, grandfather, insightful business leader, passionate volunteer, lifelong musician and caring friend, died peacefully on Monday, August 1st at Duncaster in Bloomfield, CT. The son of the late Wallace and Gertrude (Dietrich) Wolfe, Dale was born and raised in Garfield Heights, OH. His childhood was full of friends, sports, music, and working at his father’s grocery store or his grandfather’s farm. Dale was accepted into Denison University in Granville, OH, and was the first person in his family to attend college. He was on the football team (once dubbed the “best guard in the Ohio Conference”), a member of Beta Theta Pi, and president of the Christian Emphasis program, ultimately graduating in 1954 with a degree in history. Dale joined the Marines after college, earning the rank of Lieutenant and serving 14 months in Okinawa, Japan. While at Denison, he had met Susan Miles and the couple married in 1955. They lived in Los Angeles, CA, for a short time, then moved to Columbus, OH, where Dale earned a Master’s in Industrial Psychology at The Ohio State University. Eventually, the couple made their home in Sterling, IL where Dale began his career in the manufacturing business, first with Wood-Shovel & Tool, and then with Illinois Forge, where he worked his way up from shop foreman to president over his 19-year tenure. In addition to his job, he was a tireless community volunteer, with leadership roles on the school board, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Chest. In 1986, the family moved to West Hartford, CT, with Dale’s career. His initial role was as head of North American operations for Delta PLC, including Accurate Forge in Bristol and New England Centerless Grinding in West Hartford. Later, he served as President and Chairman of Ripley Company, Cromwell, then the same roles for Blu-Ray, Inc. in Essex. He finished out his career as a business consultant for CONNSTEP. He was also active with the Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity, where he was recognized as 1999 Volunteer of the Year; Old Guard, serving as Treasurer and receiving the 2017 Distinguished Service Award; and the Seniors Job Bank, where he also served as Treasurer. He was an active lay leader and choir member at the First Church of Christ Congregational in West Hartford and was a big fan of the UConn Women's Basketball team, attending more than twelve Final Four competitions around the country. Dale’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, and he was famous for reminding them that “Life is Good!”

Dale is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Susan; and his sister, Erma Judy. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Beth and Eddie Bull of Dallas, TX; David and Cathy Wolfe of Roxbury, CT; and Kathy and Michael Dumont of Linden, TN; his four grandchildren (and spouse), Lauren Bull (Theresa Holden), Adam Bull, Clara Wolfe, and Edmund Wolfe; and two step-grandchildren, Kristen West and Chad Bull.

A Memorial Service celebrating Dale's life will be held at 6:30 pm on Sunday, September 11th at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 12 South Main Street, West Hartford, with reception following. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Church of Christ Congregational, Seniors Job Bank of Greater Hartford, or Habitat for Humanity North Central Connecticut at www.hfhncc.org. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.