Obituary of Donald Worms

Donald "Dewey" Robert Worms (69), of Hamden, passed away on Sunday July 16, 2017 at his home, after a year-long battle with cancer. Dewey was born on May 13, 1948, in Canton, Ohio, the son of Richard and Betty Jean (Lucco) Worms. Dewey moved to Hamden with his family in 1954. Dewey was a graduate of Hopkins School (1966) and Stetson University (1971). Upon graduation, Dewey founded a residential, non-profit in support of formally incarcerated and homeless youth in Deland, Florida. After moving back to Connecticut, he was married to Nancy Griffiths with whom he spent the next 44 years. Dewey began his career at AAA where he worked in executive positions for 26 years, after which he became a business owner. Most recently, Dewey enjoyed his role as business manager at The Oxford Academy, Westbrook Connecticut, where he found a purpose, and a community, that compelled him to continue working until the time of his death. A folk musician at heart, Dewey loved playing guitar, cooking and eating good food, making and fixing things in his workshop, working in the yard, fishing, relaxing with a good show or movie, and most of all spending time with his family - particularly goofing around with his four grandchildren. Dewey's graciousness, warmth, generosity of spirit and sense of humor quickly put others at ease, making him a favorite of many. Dewey is survived by his wife Nancy; daughters, Wendy Worms (Brett Wilson) of Petaluma, California and Katie Worms Donroe (Adam Donroe) of Hamden; siblings Joan Delfini of Branford and Richard Worms of Hamden; grandchildren Oliver and Paisley Donroe and Benjamin and Nathaniel Wilson as well as nieces, nephews and several great nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 19th from 5-7pm at Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham St., East Haven. Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a graveside service on Thursday, July 20th at 11am at Centerville Cemetery, Washington Ave., Hamden. Donations may be made to Office of Development c/o Smilow Cancer Hospital, Phase 1, Clinical Trials, PO Box 1849 New Haven CT 06508-9979 in honor of Dewey.