Lloyd Burton Wolf

Dr. Lloyd “Burt” Wolf March 24, 1934 – November 8, 2025 Of South Portland, Maine Burt Wolf, 91, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 8th after a short illness. Born on March 24, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the beloved son of Mollie (Shapiro) Wolf and Edward Wolf. Burt’s mother died 18 days after his birth and he was raised by his loving “Bubbe” and “Zayde” —Abraham Shapiro and Sarah (Tepper) Shapiro of Portsmouth. Burt’s family history is deeply rooted in the city’s immigrant south end community; his grandparents’ journey from Ukraine to New Hampshire is preserved today at the Shapiro House at Strawbery Banke Museum, where their story of resilience, faith, and family continues to inspire future generations. After graduating from Portsmouth High School in 1951, Burt went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from his parents’ alma mater, the University of New Hampshire, in 1955. During his UNH summers, he was hired to drive a dump truck by a local construction company, though at the start he feigned that he actually knew how to operate such a truck. More significant, perhaps, was that he was the first Jewish person to be hired by that company. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1959 and then served as a Captain in the United States Air Force, providing dental care to servicepersons and their families while stationed in Limestone, Maine. He went on to establish a respected pediatric dental practice in Portland, where generations of families came to rely on his gentle expertise and fun-loving nature. Burt was a past President of the dental residency program at Maine Medical Center and a clinical instructor of pediatric dentistry at Harvard Medical School. His dedication to children’s health and education left a lasting impression on colleagues and patients alike. In addition to his dental career, Burt was a successful land developer throughout Maine and played a key role in helping to establish the Presumpscot River Reserve, reflecting his commitment to thoughtful growth and preservation of community spaces. He was active in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, mentoring Gilbert Brown of Winthrop, who held Burt dear as a positive influence in his life for the last 18 years. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Burt led a stunningly active and full life to the end. He was an avid runner who proudly completed a marathon in his 50’s, a testament to his determination and lifelong commitment to fitness. He was a skilled tennis player and golfer. Later in life, he was a constant and enthusiastic presence on the pickleball court, known for his good-natured competitiveness and energy—playing his final pickleball games just three weeks before his passing. For more than thirty years, Burt spent his winters surrounded by close friends in Key Biscayne, Florida, where he found warmth, camaraderie, and sunshine that perfectly matched his spirited outlook on life. He was an “honorary pool boy” for the Key Colony Community, gathering up lounge chairs, umbrellas, and towels for friends and visitors. When back in Maine, he was a long-time fixture at the Cumberland Club in Portland, where he enjoyed friendship, conversation, and many meals. He loved talking on the phone to friends and family near and far, ending most calls with: “Be well. Love to all.” He also led tours over the last 27 years at Strawbery Banke’s Shapiro House, role playing the part of his grandfather in their family home to the initial disbelief (that he was the actual grandson!) but ultimate amazement of delighted visitors to the house. Burt was the supportive older brother to half-siblings David Wolf, Marjorie Wolf, Gladys Wolf, and Estelle Wolf. He was predeceased by his cousin-in-law Shel Krasker, whom he warmly referred to as “my brother,” and is survived by Shel’s wife, Burt’s 98-year-old cousin Elaine Sados Krasker of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, who was truly a sister to him since their respective grandparents were sisters who married brothers. He leaves behind his three sons, Alan E. Wolf, of Falmouth; James M. Wolf, and his wife, Debra Wolf of Falmouth; and Scott D. Wolf, and his wife Jodi Wolf of Weston, MA; grandchildren Chloe, Nathaniel, Madison, Jordan, Skylar, Ethan and Samantha; daughter-in-law Karen Frink Wolf; his companion, Bonita Marchetti; cousin Dr. Ken Wolf and wife, Fredda; cousin Michael Bassett and his wife, Chung; cousin Dr. John Bassett and his wife, Jane; cousin Dr. Peter Bassett; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; and too many devoted and cherished friends to list. Burt will be remembered for his warmth, integrity, curiosity, and humor—qualities that endeared him to family, friends, colleagues, and strangers alike, and to the many children whose lives he touched through his care. The family would like to thank Dr. James Zeitlin, Dr. Devon Evans and the team at New England Cancer Specialists, the staff at Hospice of Southern Maine, and care attendants Bonnie Randall and Caitlyn Tucker, for their care, compassion, and support during Burt’s last days. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Etz Chaim Synagogue, 267 Congress St., Portland, Maine, with a reception to follow at the Cumberland Club, 116 High St., Portland, Maine (parking off Spring St. entrance). In lieu of flowers, donations in Burt’s memory may be made to the Strawbery Banke Museum-Shapiro House at www.strawberybanke.org or Hospice of Southern Maine at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org.

Lloyd Burton Wolf

March 24, 1934 - November 8, 2025