Aubrey B. DeWolfe III, 85, of Newtown died June 10. Born March 10, 1931, he was the son of the late Berthe Jasmin DeWolfe Sherwood and Aubrey DeWolfe, Jr.The Apples of New York. He dabbled in growing apples, trying out the Japanese method of bagging each fruit on the tree. He also experimented with beekeeping, but colony collapse cut that pursuit short.www.honanfh.com.

Growing up in Fairfield, Mr DeWolfe graduated from Fairfield Preparatory School and subsequently obtained his bachelor and master degrees from Fairfield University.

His wife of 54 years, Joyce; their daughter, Virginia DeWolfe DiCesare of Easton; their son, Mark David DeWolfe of Sandy Hook; and son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchildren survive him.

Professionally Mr DeWolfe was a teacher. He dreamed of being a farmer, and he was always a reader/thinker/poet.

He taught high school English some 35 years at Joel Barlow High School. In the words of one of his students, "We couldn't understand how something as simple as a line of poetry could make him so happy. Years later, I understand the meaning of his poem. I understand the concept of lost time. How I wish I took advantage of the knowledge he wanted so desperately to give us, and how I wish there were more teachers today who love their work as much as he does."

Yearning for a simple agrarian life, Mr DeWolfe secured goats, sheep and ducks, which he tended to before setting off to school. Committed to organic gardening long before the concept became commonplace, he earned certification as a master gardner in the second year of the program's existence. He treasured his two-volume book of

Mr DeWolfe's midlife crisis consisted of a love affair with sailing. He navigated his family around the Long Island Sound, sometimes sleeping on "the hook" while other times running for a marina. It was on the water that he best tested his family's resilience.

Always a reader, he wrestled with a variety of themes forever pondering the imponderable. When stirred by some idea or experience, he might scratch out a poem and tuck it away, showing no one. While not a gregarious person, he did share ideas and books with a few close friends whom he trusted and loved. The librarians knew him well, and they called him after his retirement when patrons appeared seeking help with their English.

Mr DeWolfe's loved ones say he was a fine man, who they all loved very much and will miss dearly.

To remember and celebrate his life, people may meet on Thursday, June 16, at 11 am, at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street (at the flagpole) in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to FAITH Food Pantry in Sandy Hook. To leave an online condolence visit