Westborough – Henry G. Wettlaufer, 82, died peacefully Saturday July 
30, 2011, after a short illness.
The sixth of eight children, he is survived by his sister, Marie Dora “Doe” Thornburg of Chicago; his brother, Col. John Wettlaufer, MD, and his wife Rita of Steilacoom, Washington; many beloved nieces and nephews; and a huge circle of Westborough friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann, and by brothers Andrew, Warren, Jules, and Robert.
Born in Belmont, the son of Jules Louis and Louise (Hill) Wettlaufer, he was a graduate of Belmont High School and had lived in Westborough for the past 62 years. A gifted athlete, he was a left-handed hitting outfielder on the 1947 CYO championship baseball team from St. Joseph's parish.
Although hampered by a chronic illness all of his adult life, Mr. Wettlaufer was an active and important member of the Westborough community. As a daily communicant at St. Luke the Evangelist parish, he was known as an evangelist himself, participating in all parish functions and bringing people together in many and varied ways. He rose to the Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus as a member of John Boyle O’Reilly Council #85, and was proud to participate in their many functions and charitable works. As a regular at the Westborough Senior Center, he was the first to sign up for all of their varied activities and excursions
Ever the ambassador of joy, Mr. Wettlaufer had a sincere “hello” and handshake for all. He was known for acknowledging people from all aspects of his life with a robust “Hi Pal,” followed by detailed inquires into what was happening in their lives. Never a complainer, he seized the joy out of every personal encounter, be it a friend or a stranger. He was famous for generating smiles, and he happily basked in those that he received in return.
Mr. Wettlaufer was very proud of his extended family and was happy to tell everyone of the latest exploits of his siblings, nieces and nephews. His family would like to thank the parishioners of St. Luke's, the Knights of Columbus, the staff at SMOC, Baypath, Fallon Clinic, the Westborough Senior Center, and the caregivers at Beaumont Rehabilitation for their utmost devotion and care.
The funeral service will be slightly delayed, allowing family members to gather from around the world. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday Aug. 18, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday Aug. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Rand-Harper-Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St. Interment will be at a later date in the Wettlaufer family plot at Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston. Members of the John Boyle O”Reilly, Council #85, Knights of Columbus, will conduct a prayer service in the funeral home at 7:45 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Parish Outreach or to a charity of one's choice.
For online condolences, please visit www.westboroughfuneralhome.com.
