John Morrill Wolfle's Obituary
John Morrill Wolfle, 80, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE. He was born on Tuesday, April 3, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to the late Drs. Dael and Helen (Morrill) Wolfle.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan (Laycock) Wolfle of Rehoboth Beach, DE; daughter, Elizabeth Anne Wolfle of Lewes, DE; sister, Janet (Wolfle) Christoferson of Wilmington, NC; and brother-in-law, Robert Thomas Laycock (Tom Vogt) of Washington, DC. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Lee Wolfle, and his brother-in-law, Wilhelm Christoferson.
John grew up in Washington, DC, where he attended Sidwell Friends School and Jackson-Reed High School before earning his bachelor’s degree from Paul Smith’s College in upstate New York. He worked for the Marriott Corporation for many years before moving to Rehoboth Beach, DE, where he owned and managed commercial property, including the Thunderbird Shop on Rehoboth Avenue.
John loved his family and many friends. He always made time for a conversation or to join in on a special event. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed sharing a good meal and a fine bottle of wine. He also collected wine and loved to share it with others. His dream was to one day own a 1982 bottle of Petrus to share with friends a goal he, unfortunately, did not reach.
John had a lifelong love of cars, especially sports cars, and particularly Porsches. He was a long-standing member of the Porsche Club of America and several local car clubs. He cherished the camaraderie of his fellow enthusiasts and frequently attended races and car shows. He traveled up and down the East Coast to participate in driving events and even drove across the country to fulfill his goal of visiting all 50 states.
John was deeply committed to helping others. He was a strong supporter of community events and local charities throughout Sussex County. He served as chairman of Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth for 10 years. During his leadership, the number of clients grew to more than 500, each receiving a daily hot meal tailored to their needs.
John was a devoted husband and father who will be forever loved and missed.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth.
Please sign the tribute wall located on this webpage.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2ND, 2025, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?