Scott Lawrence Wakefield

Scott Wakefield was born on 31st January 1939 in Reading, Pennsylvania. Scott was son to Earle and Adele Wakefield (née Scott) and twin brother to Pete Wakefield.

Scott grew up in Pound Ridge, New York and was educated at Kent School, Connecticut, where he quickly excelled both academically and on the sports field, representing the school Football and Hockey teams. It was at Kent that he developed his love of literature, writing and letters.

Scott won a place at Yale University in 1957 where he read English Literature under the esteemed Professor Frederick Pottle who would be a huge influence on Scott’s life. Scott was also a fine athlete playing Varsity Football in 1957 and 1959 and lettering in 1959. In addition to Varsity Football, Scott also boxed and pursued many other sports. Upon graduation Scott appeared destined for a career in academia or teaching.

However, in 1960, Scott was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps serving in both Japan and Vietnam, with great distinction. Scott was awarded The Air Medal in 1962 for: “Courage and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions and exposed to hostile fire at close range during reconnaissance and observation missions.”

Returning from Vietnam, Scott continued to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and embarked on an MBA at Thunderbird Business School, Phoenix, Arizona. Upon graduation, Scott initially worked in the insurance industry in California before pursuing a successful career in finance in New York City.

Scott married Patricia in 1966 in London, England, and later worked and settled in London, and then Oxford, where they raised three children, Iain, Susie and Christian.

In later years Scott moved back in the U.S. and continued to work into his 80s which was testament to his considerable work ethic and professional determination.

It was fitting that in 2022 Scott was able to move back to his birth state of Pennsylvania, not far from Reading where he was born, to be close to Christian and his family. He was a proud grandfather to William, Annie, Emma, Jamie, Sophie and Charlie.

Scott passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at Chester County Hospital and will be much missed by his family and all who knew him.

The family will be having a celebration of Scott’s life this summer. Details will be available from Scott’s family.