WOODWARD
JOHN P., MD
On Sunday, August
2nd, 2020, loving husband, father of two daughters, and devoted family practitioner for almost 40 years, passed away at the age of 67 from complications related to cancer. John is survived by his wife and best friend, Renee (nee Breslofsky); his children, Perri Haftel (Chad), Lindsay Nemec (Eric); his beloved grandchildren, Samuel Nemec and Luke Haftel; his brother, Thomas Woodward (Laura); his niece, Katherine Olsen (Brian), his nephew, Paul Woodward (Melissa); his sister, Debra Franke (Gary); and stepmother, Patsy Woodward. John was born in Fort Belvoir, Virginia on February 3, 1953 to Dean and Margaret Ann Woodward. He lived until the age of 14 in US Army communities, and then spent most of his life living in Southeast Pennsylvania. John received his Bachelor of Arts in 1974, magna cum laude from Franklin & Marshall College and earned his medical degree from Milton S. Hershey Medical School in 1978. John devoted the majority of his career to the care of his patients and the advancement in technology and patient care at Jeanes Hospital. He married the love of his life on October 5, 1997 and found the most joy spending time with his family, cooking, reading, and appreciating fine wines. He will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues and all who knew him. Memorial services TBD at a later date.

www.goldsteinsfuneral.com

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Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Aug. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN WOODWARD

Sponsored by Goldsteins' Rosenberg's Funeral Directors, Inc. - Philadelphia.

75 Entries

Kathy Kilbride

August 1, 2025

5 years without the best Doc ever. Still refer to my current Primary Care Dr. as my "new" Dr. He's very nice, but still not Dr. Woodward. Miss the Woodward family, especially Anta.

Joyce Lang

July 29, 2025

Dr Woodward always made you feel at ease if you were worried about something with your health. I see a woman Dr now but she's definitely no Dr Woodward, no one ever will be. I hope Renee and the family are doing well and his nurse Anta

EllaMarie Walker

July 29, 2025

It´s been 5 years since Dr. Woodward left us. Haven´t found a doctor yet that even comes close to the person he was.

Joyce Lang

July 29, 2024

I still miss Dr Woodward, will never find a doctor like him,I still do some of the things he told me! I was due to see him the month that he passed and was so devastated, I miss seeing everyone at the office and especially Anta, my parents also seen Dr Woodward and he took such great care of them, especially in 2012 when my dad was dying and my mom had Alzheimer's! I hope Renee and his family are doing good!
Joyce Lang

Diane Szott

July 29, 2024

Dr Woodward, you will always be the greatest doctor. I think of you and your family often. I cannot believe four years have passed. You are still loved and missed.

Kathy Kilbride

July 29, 2024

Just about 4 years have already gone by, and I still am missing my favorite Doc. I find myself still referring to my current Primary Dr. as my new Dr. Hope Renee and all the family are doing well (including Anta, the best nurse ever).

Joyce Lang

May 16, 2024

I still miss him, will never find a doctor like him,he was the best at what he did!

Linda S Trimble/Rose/ Watson

May 14, 2024

Didn't realize He had past, God Bless him and Family, my Prayers and Thoughts. Best Doctor ever! Never will found a better one. Most definitely his nurse was also a sweetheart. I and my Husband were blessed to have them take care of us!!

Michele Lee

August 2, 2022

I still really miss him. There is no one like him. I hope you are all doing ok. Ante if you read this I miss you too. Hope you are well.

Kath Kilbride

August 2, 2022

Continue to miss the best Doc ever. Hoping my favorite medical family are all doing well - Renee, Perri, Lindsey and the best nurse Anta, whom I miss so much with her magic touch. You're all in my thoughts and prayers today.

Rich & Trish Sands

August 2, 2022

Well two years have passed since Dr. John went "home" and our ache is still there! Who would believe that your family physician could have such an impact on your life. Rich & I sorely miss him, Renee, Perry and Lindsay. Needless to say, Anta is truly missed too and we often wonder how she is doing. It sure would be nice to know how each of these dear ones are doing. Please post a note here, each of you, if you can as so many of us would love to know if you are all ok.
Love, Rich & Trish Sands, Blue Bell, Pa.

Bill and Michele Moore

August 2, 2022

We can hardly believe it's been 2 years since Dr. W passed away. We both miss him so much. Hoping Renee, Perri, Lindsey and their families, as well as Anta, are doing well. You're all in our prayers.

Joyce Lang

August 1, 2022

I will never find another doctor as brilliant as Dr Woodward,I still miss him! I hope the family is doing well and Anta!

Joyce Lang

December 10, 2021

I miss Dr Woodward, of course i have a new primary but it's hard to like another one after having Dr Woodward! I miss Anta too i hope she's doing well! Miss you Dr

EllaMarie Walker

December 8, 2021

Dr. Woodward is still so surely missed. Our new doctor is good, but he can´t compare to Dr. Woodward! It´s funny, how you don´t know what you have until it´s gone. He was always kind and understanding and always led us in the right direction concerning our health. We are thankful he was our family doctor for so many years. What a team he and Anita were!

Kathy Kilbride

August 2, 2021

A year has passed and Dr. Woodward is still much missed. I think of him every day driving home from work as I pass Woodward St on the Blvd. I especially had thoughts of him at Thanksgiving which I always felt was his special day enjoying cooking the holiday meal. I have a new Primary Dr. now, but after 30 years under Dr Woodward's care, no one can ever live up to his caring and expertise. Hoping all of the Woodward family and Anta and doing well.

Joyce Lang

July 30, 2021

I still miss Dr Woodward he could tell if something was serious or not by what you told him, i always felt better after talking with him! Over 30 yrs of seeing him it's hard to find anyone else with his knowledge and his friendliness he was not only your doctor but a friend! I also miss Anta she was great to talk to and always friendly! It was always nice to see his wife Renee there with him!

Michele Lee

July 29, 2021

I´m still grieving his loss. He was my doctor for over 30 years. There will never be anyone like him. Truly the best doctor ever. I hope he knew how amazing he was. I think about him all the time. I hope his family is doing ok including Anta.

Rich and Trish Sands

July 29, 2021

So almost a year has passed since the homegoing of our dear doctor and friend! Out of necessity we had to find a new family doctor; however, no one, and I do say no one, could ever replace the care, friendship, professionalism and joy that we shared with Dr. John. He will be missed FOREVER, along with his beautiful family and Anta.

Ann Cohn

July 29, 2021

With deepest sympathy.

Bill Kolb

November 11, 2020

Great man only had him as my Doctor for 5 years always had time to treat you like you like you knew him for life.
Will be sadly missed....

Lynda Gambrel

September 30, 2020

Dr. Woodward was one of the best Doctors I have encountered. Although I have been with him for only five years, he always had a story to tell or a word of encouragement. Those words of knowledge were also healing words!!! I always say, there is nothing going on that God does not know about and I thank God for allowing me to meet and be a part of Dr Woodward’ s life! God rest his soul!! May the peace and strength of God continually be with his family and Anta, Amen..

Sorrowfully, Lynda Gambrel

Linda Inman

September 11, 2020

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Woodward. This amazing man has been our family doctor for over 30 years. Our deepest condolences to his family and to Anta his dedicated nurse

Susan Feola

September 10, 2020

It has made me deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dr. Woodward. He has been my physician, psychologist and counselor for just about 40 years. I could always contact him with any concerns and always got a speedy response. He was ready with the best advice for anything that I encountered and I will miss his caring and thoughtful ways.
My condolences go out to his family and to Anta, his faithful nurse.

Janice Eby

August 20, 2020

My husband and I were fairly new patients of Dr Woodward's. I found out through a phone call to his office, where Anta answered. We are very saddened to hear of his passing. We both liked him very much. He was an intelligent and caring human being. Prayers go out to his family and Anta, who was his right hand person. So sad to hear of his passing. He's up there now taking care of new patients. RIP John Woodward.

Brian Waerig

August 20, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Woodward's passing. Dr. Woodward took care of my parents and was my doctor for over 30 years (even after i moved out of the Northeast). My wife always asked why i insisted on driving so far to go to the doctor. It was because of Dr. Woodward. I trusted him, always looked forward to seeing him and Anta, and will always miss him.

Susan Zakulec

August 15, 2020

To Dr. Woodward's family and Anta, we are so very sorry for your loss- Dr. Woodward was a special doctor and person. It was always more than just a check-up when we saw Dr. Woodward- it was a fun and interesting conversation and visit! He will be missed by our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue, Paul, Steve, and Tara Zakulec

Rick Bedrick MD

August 14, 2020

I was so saddened to hear of John's passing. A colleague at Jeanes Hospital and in the neighboring suite in the Jeanes Physicians Office Building, I knew him as an intelligent, thoughtful clinician whose impressive computer skills were way more sophisticated than my own could ever hope to be. Please accept my condolences to Renee and his family and know that I am thinking of you at this time.

Ann Cohn

Planted Trees

Carol Lynn Duffy

Planted Trees

John Santoro

August 11, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss . Renne ,Perri and Anta. Dr. Woodward was more than a doctor. He was a kind passionate man. He took care of me for more than 30 years. He was not only intelligent he had clever way about him to assure that you were going to be OK. One quick one. When I first met Doc W i told him aside from all my medical problems . I was a borderline Hypochondriac. After 25 years of seeing one day on a visit with him , he turned to me and said they don't use the term borderline anymore! We both almost fell off our chairs laughing. I will miss him forever. Rest in peace my friend you have done your work here admirably.

Dianne & Charlie Oswald

August 10, 2020

Dear Renee, Perri, Lindsay and Anta,
There really are not adequate words to express our condolences. John was a wonderful and caring colleague, friend, doctor and teacher. May you find comfort in your memories of him. Please know that you are in our prayers.

August 10, 2020

I am deeply sadden by the loss of Dr.Woodward. I became a patient many years ago.He was kind, smart, a great listener. He truly cared for, and took the time to hear my concerns. We have lost such a kind Spirit in this world.

Marie Carlin

Hope McGettigan

August 10, 2020

I will forever be grateful for such a caring Doctor. Dr. Woodward took great care of my mother, Miriam Weyhmuller for many years. I always knew I could count on him as her health started to deteriorate with age. The community has lost an outstanding person. May God bless his family and please know we will never forget him.

Sheryl Frueh

August 9, 2020

I will very much miss Doc. W. He was my doctor for most of my life. He always took the time to listen to me however long it took. I especially enjoyed talking to him about his latest cooking experiments or the restaurants that he discovered. My sincere condolences to his family and his wonderful staff. Thanks Dr. Woodward, you were a great guy.

Sheryl Frueh

August 9, 2020

I will very much miss Doc W. He was my doctor for most of my life and always took the time to listen to me however long it took. I enjoyed talking with him about his latest cooking project and saw how much joy it gave him to cook for his family. All I can say is thank you, you were a great guy.

Frank and EllaMarie Walker

August 9, 2020

My husband and I are deeply saddened with the loss of Dr. Woodward. He was referred to us by a close friend several years ago, and we have been patients of his for many years. Everything that has been said of him is so true. He had a laid back manner, that made you feel welcomed in his office. He always spent time with us and never rushed through our appointments. Whenever we needed a specialist, he always led us to the right one. I just mentioned the other day to my husband that I’ll always be thankful for the wonderful care he gave us. May God bless him, and may God give his family peace knowing he was well loved.
Frank and EllaMarie Walker

Ed Mayer

August 9, 2020

Our heartfelt sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to Renee and Dr. Woodward's family -- including the beloved Anta -- at his side throughout his medical practice. A wonderful physician and a life-long learner. Dr. W. spent his life helping others stay healthy and well. For 20+ years I had the pleasure of being a patient of Dr. W. -- a honor and a pleasure for me forever. May God bless him and may he always be remembered for all of the goodness he brought to this world.

Ed Mayer-

August 9, 2020

Robert Hughes

August 9, 2020

Our family physician for 30 years
A great doctor and friend
We will surely miss him
Rest In Peace
Bob and Denise Hughes

Robert Hughes

August 9, 2020

Our family physician for 30 years
A great doctor and friend
We will surely miss him
Rest In Peace
Bob and Denise Hughes

Mohan and Padma Doss

August 8, 2020

We are extremely sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Woodward. Our deepest condolences to his family and to his staff.

Since we moved to Philadelphia area from Canada in 2001, Dr. Woodward has been our family physician. He was very caring, listened to our concerns, and explained very clearly the reasons for his recommendations. He was up-to-date in his knowledge. He was very meticulous in recording our information in his computer, long before it became standard practice. He was very prompt in responding to our emails in which we asked questions regarding our health. It is going to be difficult to find a doctor like him. His passing is a tremendous loss to us. We will miss him very much.

May his soul rest in peace.

Lisa Bienkowski

August 8, 2020

Sincere condolences to the Woodward family and Anta. When Dr Clair retired, Dr Woodward became our family doctor many years ago. I am a teacher and he never failed to educate me at each appointment about some interesting medical phenomena or the latest way that he and his family were cooking.
Lisa Bienkowski and family

Joyce Lang

Planted Trees

Joyce Lang

August 8, 2020

To Renee, Perri, Lindsay and rest of Dr Woodwards family i am so so sorry for your loss! John was not only a fantastic doctor he was also a friend! He took fabulous care of my grandmother, my parents, myself, my husband, daughter! He loved his family dearly, when you asked about the grandsons you could see his face light up! I seen him in February and he was due to get another scan, him and my mom had the same birthdays, i emailed to see how he was doing but got no response i probably sent email to wrong person! I sure will miss him as i know all of you will! I send my condolences to Anta who has been with him many years and to the rest of his workers! Prayers for all of you. Joyce Lang

Rose Weiss

August 8, 2020

I just received a letter about his passing. He was a wonderful doctor...always was there for my family. He’s surely will be miss. My heart goes out to his whole family and his nurse and workers at his office. ❤

Robin Luber

August 8, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Woodward’s passing. He was my doctor for over 20 years. I visited him in Fox Chase and he wept in my arms. I felt so bad for him. He was so smart and knew exactly what was going on. As a cancer survivor myself, I know this disease does not discriminate. From our conversations over the years, I knew that Dr. Woodward had deep love for his family and for food. He suggested his favorite restaurant to me and I tried it. It is called Argana Tree in Jenkintown. He also shared his Thanksgiving meal with me and I always left his office feeling very hungry. I will certainly miss him.

Diane Szott

August 8, 2020

To the Woodward family: I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband, dad, brother, family member and friend. I was a long-standing patient of Dr. Woodward’s. However, he was more than just an intelligent, dedicated doctor. He was a good human being. I’ll miss our chats about his Friday night dinner outings among many other conversations about life. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lynn Eves

August 8, 2020

Dear Renee , Perri , Lindsay ,Anta and family, our hearts are broken. We first met Dr. Woodward at the Adams ave. office about thirty five years ago. He took care of three generations of our family, and helped us through many , many different medical crisis with incredible knowledge, compassion and understanding. We have lost an amazing gentleman who will remain forever our “ Woody “. Our love and deepest condolences to all of you. We have lost a truly wonderful man. The Eves and Marr families

Linda Gillespie

August 8, 2020

Renee, Perri, Lindsey & family. We were deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Woodward's passing. Please know that you all are in our thoughts & prayers. He has taken care of three generations of our family so was much more than our Doctor, he was a friend. He was "The Best!" He always gave a little history lesson with each visit. Truly a good man whose passing has left a void in all our hearts. Linda & Bill Gillespie, Elvira & Deborah Coates

August 8, 2020

We were so upset to hear about the passing of Dr. Woodward. We have been his patients since 1986 after retirement from the US Army. We will forever miss him and our heartfelt symphonies to his family. RIP and fly high Russ and Karen Hilbert

Frank Patterson

August 8, 2020

Dr. Woodward was my family physician for 20 years. I thought he was a very knowledgeable doctor when it came to prescribing the correct medications because of his vast knowledge of the interactions with certain ones. He had a pleasant personality & was always able to make me relax when I would first come into his office . My blood pressure would be high until he would take it & then it would be okay. I will truly miss Dr. Woodward & I know a lot of others will too. God bless you & rest in peace. I will continue to hold the family up in prayer.

John Foust

August 8, 2020

John Woodward. I’d only known him for a few years; I was a patient of his. It didn’t take long for me to realize he was not only a competent doctor, but he was a stellar human being. From my first meeting with him, I knew I found a man who actually cared about the person as a person, as well as their ailment. In a strange kind of way I almost looked forward to my appointments with him because I knew I was in good hands.

Yes, he was my doctor, but when I learned of our commonality, I felt I had known him all my life.

Dr. Woodward may be gone but the things he did for me, the things he taught me beyond medicine, will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I thank you, sir. Thank you for being a friend you never knew you had.

Joanne Shirley

August 7, 2020

My condolences for your loss. Dr. Woodward was a great doctor and very nice person. He was loved by many of those he treated and cared for. He no doubt left an impression on those he treated and will always be remembered.

Aunt Shelly & Uncle Larry Levin & Cos. Tami, Stacey & Michael

August 7, 2020

We are so very sorry for your loss Renee. In time, may you find peace & comfort in your memories. With love, Aunt Shelly & Uncle Larry Levin & cousins Stacey, Tami & Michael.

Jacquelyn Mason

August 6, 2020

Over 30 years ago, my husband Terry and I were given to Dr. Woodward by Dr. Clair when he retired. What a wonderful gift! We were devastated when we heard about Dr. Woodward's passing. He was a lovely person and a fantastic doctor. He saved Terry's, life on at least two occasions. He sent me to the ER just a month ago when he diagnosed over the phone that the "gas" I was feeling was actually an appendicitis. I told him I didn't like what he was telling me. He said he didn't care, go to the ER. I went and had to have emergency surgery to remove it. I had a FaceTime visit with him 2 weeks ago and he told me he was glad I listened to him. So was I. My husband and I miss him already. He cannot be replaced. His extensive knowledge and sense of humor made going to the doctor pleasant. We learned something new every visit. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Renee, his daughter, Perri, Anta and all the Woodward family. Thank you for sharing and caring for us.

Jacquelyn and Terry Mason

Lorraine Sonneborn

August 6, 2020

We are very sorry to hear about Dr. John Woodward. He was an amazing Doctor who made my husband and I feel so at ease. He communicated with us his patients until last week. We are forever grateful for all his advice and support for us individually over the past 30 years. We are truly sorry for his wife, children and grandchildren and siblings. His staff were amazing and always so pleasant and helpful. Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers for a wonderful Doctor. God bless! Bill and Lorraine Sonneborn

Michele Lee

August 6, 2020

I am so heartbroken at the loss of Dr. Woodward who was my doctor for over 25 years. He was such an amazing doctor and amazing man, I feel like I lost a friend. My condolences to his family and his other family (office staff).

Deborah Camper

August 6, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Kathy Kilbride

August 6, 2020

There are no words to adequately express my sorrow on learning of Dr. Woodward's death. Renee, Perri, Lindsay and family, and Anta must be included here, my heart goes out to all of you on the loss of such a wonderful human being. I believe the Kilbride's presented some challenges to Dr. Woodward over the past 30 years, and he never failed as the best diagnostician and support person. He is already sorely missed.

Rich & Trish Sands

August 6, 2020

Dear Renee, Perri, Lindsay and entire Woodward family, Words are hard to find for the passing of our family physician for almost forty years, friend, counselor and just a guy we could count on. Dr. "John" as we called him would always seem to know the most up-to-date medical information that we needed. We actually met Dr. "John" waaaaaaaaaay back in the late 70s at Lawndale Hospital, Phila., Pa. when he actually diagnosed my Dad with kidney cancer. Rich and I have been married for over 45 years and when our family doctor, Dr. Clair, retired, Dr. "John" became our "go to" guy. Thanks to everyone who ever played a role in the love and care we received from his office. Renee, we will miss seeing your smiling face peeking around the office corner. Perri and Lindsay - thank you for always being so helpful when we came for our care. We will miss all of you and, of course, mostly our "Dr. John". Love to you all. Rich & Trish Sands, Blue Bell, Pa.

Mariann Dercole

August 6, 2020

August 6,2020
Renee,Perri,Lindsay and entire family,
When I think about Dr.Woodward the first thing that comes to mind is his computer. He was operating his practice electronically before anyone else. Dr.Woodward was very techy a real computer guru.
He was always able to tell you what test you had,where you had it and what the result was. He was awesome.
He took the time to discuss any issue with you medically or otherwise.
Al & I could tell him our symptoms and he was able to diagnose and explain exactly what was going on.
It's awful to have lost such a knowable genuine doc (friend) as him.
Al & I miss him already.

Sadly,
Al & Mariann Dercole

Shannon Kilbride

August 5, 2020

Dr. Woodward became my primary doctor when I was in junior high. We always felt very lucky in finding him. I cannot imagine anyone being able to compare. He was a wonderful doctor and a terrific person. The world needs more people like him. I am so very sorry to his family and closest friends. His is a loss that is felt deeply by all who knew him, but most of all to you. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Carmela snyder

August 5, 2020

Dr has been our family dr for over 30 years. I had so much respect and confidence in him.
I was deeply saddened by when I heard of his illness. He helped so many people throughout the years and sadly couldn't get thru this awful disease. What a great doctor and wonderful person.

LaVerne Lewis Boateng

August 5, 2020

Dr. Woodward was our family doctor since he started his practice on Erie Ave. He was the best doctor and friend. I'm devastated but will take solice that he is at peace now. Condolences to his family,

LaVerne Lewis Boateng

August 5, 2020

LaVerne Lewis Boateng

August 5, 2020

Andy Gavin

August 5, 2020

I am very sorry to hear about John's passing. I was the Director of IT at Jeanes Hospital and worked on many technical projects with John over the years and their success can be attributed to John's development and training abilities. His respect from both the Medical staff and administration in this area was second to none. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Marilyn Goldenberg

August 4, 2020

I was so sorry to hear the news about Dr. Woodward. I will miss him very much. My sympathy to Dr. Mom and his daughters and grandsons. He was a wonderful man and an awesome diagnostician. You are all in my prayers.

Bill & Michele Moore

August 4, 2020

Renee, Perri & Lindsay,

Our hearts are breaking for all of you. Dr. Woodward was a wonderful, caring doctor but a better man. 37 years ago we met him for the first time getting blood taken to get our marriage license. He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt, granny glasses and his hair was in a ponytail! We loved him immediately and have been with him ever since. He has gotten us through so many tough illnesses.

We will have all of you in our hearts forever. If there is anything we can do please let us know.

Bill & Michele Moore

Alia Fagan

August 4, 2020

Praying for God’s perfect peace and comfort to cover your hearts during this very difficult time.

Kathleen Watkins

August 4, 2020

Dr. Woodward was a wonderful man! My husband I will so miss him. Beyond his care of us, I was especially grateful for his loving care of my friend, Lucius Durant. God bless Dr. Woodward's family.

Deborah Camper

Planted Trees

Marianne Hagan

August 4, 2020

Rene and family I am so very sorry to hear this. I have many wonderful memories of him. I will never forget his kindness to my parents over the years. My prayers are with you all.

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