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Douglas Edward Wilfert Obituary

Douglas Edward Wilfert, 67 of Downingtown, PA passed away Thursday

January 30, 2025 in West Chester, PA. Born February 9, 1957 in Wilmington,

DE, he was the son of the late Eugene J. Wilfert and the late Elsa Marie

Knudsen Wilfert.

 

Doug grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and graduated from Brandywine

High School in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education

from West Chester University in 1979 (cum laude). He went on to receive a

Master of Music Performance from West Chester University in 1986 and a

Master in the Study of Music from the University of Calgary, Canada in 1992.

 

A Music Educator for 32 years, Doug taught briefly in Delaware, but spent almost his entire teaching career in the Great Valley School District in Malvern, PA. After several years at General Wayne Middle School, he transferred to the High School where he became the head of the music department and directed the Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band. He was the musical director of the spring musicals for many years, and he composed and arranged music for a variety of plays for the Great Valley Drama Guild. Throughout his teaching career, he inspired thousands of students with his love of music. Even more importantly, he made it a priority to make the music department a safe and welcoming place for all students, where everyone was respected, and taught to respect themselves and others.

 

In addition to teaching, Doug was an accomplished musician, composer, and arranger. He started working as a professional musician when he was in Jr High School and continued to play in countless ensembles, retiring as a working musician in 2023. He was a talented trumpeter, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, composer, arranger, and (reluctant) singer. He performed over the years with the American Youth Jazz Band and Chorus (3 European tours), the Philadelphia Orchestra Society, Lansdowne Symphony, The Irv Shaw Ensemble, the Basilica Brass, the Last Big Band, Been There Done That, the Valley Forge Chorale, and many others.  

 

Although music was his first and lasting passion, second only to his love of teaching, Doug also enjoyed hiking, biking, travel, Philadelphia sports, telling stories, and spending time with friends and family.

 

He is survived by his sister, Randi V. Wilfert Eckel (Craig), niece Katrina Marie Eckel, and nephew Isaac Aaron Eckel. He was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene J. ‘Jay’ Wilfert.

 

It must also be said that Doug is ‘survived’ by the thousands of students that he mentored and inspired over his long teaching career.

 

To celebrate Doug’s life well spent, there will be an Open House at the home of Maryellen and Mike Byrne on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 1:00PM – 5:00PM 815 Sharon Circle West Chester, PA 19382

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Great Valley Music Parent Association – Douglas Wilfert Music Scholarship, contact@gvmpa.org and or West Chester University Foundation Music Scholarships: Jill Siskind Director of Development WCU Foundation jsiskind@wcufoundation.org

 

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com