John Morrill Wolfle, businessman, enjoyed helping others
John Morrill Wolfle, 80, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born Tuesday, April 3, 1945, in Chicago, Ill, to the late Drs. Dael and Helen (Morrill) Wolfle.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan (Laycock) Wolfle of Rehoboth Beach; daughter, Elizabeth Anne Wolfle of Lewes; sister, Janet (Wolfle) Christoferson of Wilmington, N.C.; and brother-in-law, Robert Thomas Laycock (Tom Vogt) of Washington, D.C. He is preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Lee Wolfle; and brother-in-law, Wilhelm Christoferson.
John grew up in Washington, D.C., where he attended Sidwell Friends School and Jackson-Reed High School before pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Paul Smith College in upstate New York. He worked for the Marriott Corporation for many years before moving to Rehoboth Beach, where he owned and managed commercial property, including the Thunderbird Shop on Rehoboth Avenue.
John loved his family and his many friends. He always had time for a conversation or to join in on a special event. John was an excellent cook and enjoyed joining others for a good meal and a bottle of fine wine. He collected wine, which he enjoyed sharing with others. His goal was to own a 1982 bottle of Petrus, which he could share with his friends. Unfortunately, that never happened.
John also loved 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 always looked forward to connecting with his car friends at a race or car show.
He drove up and down the eastern seaboard to attend races and test his driving skills, and drove across the country to fulfill his goal of spending time in all 50 states.
John was dedicated to helping people. He was a strong supporter of community events and local charities throughout Sussex County. He was chairman of Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth for 10 years. During his tenure, the number of Meals on Wheels clients grew to more than 500 people, each of whom received a daily hot meal tailored to their needs.
John was a wonderful husband and father who will forever be loved and missed.
A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth.
Visit John's Life Memorial webpage and sign the online guest book at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
