DeWitt P. Zuse, of Guilford, an inspiring, passionate music and arts educator and initiator of programs that often helped the physically and economically disadvantaged, died at his home on June 8 with family by his side. He was 84.
He graduated from Lebanon Valley College and The University of Michigan with a master’s in music education. He was the chairman of the music department of Cumberland Valley Schools from 1956 to 1966, and helped create a Pennsylvania statewide summer arts program for talented high school students. In 1971, he moved to Guilford to become the first director of the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven. He ended his career self-employed, using communication technology to assist nonverbal children and adults.
Mr. Zuse was born in Frederick, Maryland, on Dec. 28, 1932, son of the late Rev. Dr. DeWitt P. Zuse and Linda F. Zuse. He is survived by Berdella M. Zuse, his beloved wife of 63 years; three sons, DeWitt P. Zuse III and his wife Susi B. Zuse of Madison, Ted M. Zuse and his wife Ann C. Street of Guilford, and Thatcher A. Zuse and his wife Amanda P. Zuse of Guilford; and sister Janet Hostetter, of York, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Amy N. Zuse, Tyler M. Zuse, Hadley C. Zuse, Ella J. Zuse, Clara G. Zuse, and Annabel C. Zuse.
A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Guilford, where he was a longtime member, on June 22 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the DeWitt P. Zuse Memorial Music Fund and mailed to Guilford Savings Bank, 1 Park St., Guilford, CT 06437. Funds will go to benefit students who otherwise would not have an opportunity to play an instrument. Arrangements in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.