Woodbridge D'Oench

Woodbridge "Woody" D'Oench, 93, formerly of Portland, Connecticut, died at his home in Old Saybrook, Monday, March 31, 2025. The son of Russell Grace D'Oench and Dorothy Newton Sharp, he was the great grandson of W. R. Grace, twice mayor of New York City.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Malone D'Oench, daughters Sarah D'Oench, VMD (Thomas Jenei, DVM) and Susannah D'Oench (Leonardo Cardoso Salvador); grandson Benjamin Jenei; brother Lawrence D'Oench (Nancy May); nephew Peter D'Oench (Connie); niece Ellen "Dodie" Ruimerman (Paul); and niece-in-law Tani Takagi.

He was predeceased by his brother Russell "Derry" D'Oench, sister-in-law Ellen "Puffin" D'Oench, and nephew Russell "Toby" D'Oench.

A graduate of Lawrenceville School, Williams College (Class of '53), and Harvard Business School, he spent two years in the Navy as a Deck and Gunnery officer on the USS Dennis J. Buckley, DDR 808. After receiving his MBA, he worked in the business office of the Hartford Courant.

In 1959 Woody and his brother Derry bought The Middletown Press. For 32 years, Woody served as publisher of the 6-day-a-week evening publication that gained a circulation of 21,000, employing 167 people, including 28 reporters who covered every town in Middlesex County. Decades later it warmed his heart that a group of former employees, some of whom describe working for Woody as "one of the best experiences of my life," would gather annually for a Press Party, to recall the good old days.

A true pillar of the community and recipient of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award, Woody served many organizations. The Middlesex YMCA was a commitment that lasted over half a century and included chairing the board, leading funding campaigns, and continuing in an advisory capacity until shortly before his death. He also served on and chaired the boards of the Middletown United Way, the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, the Independent Day School, the Connecticut Daily Newspaper Association, Middletown Industrial Corporation, and Liberty Bank.

He served on the board of Liberty Bank for 38 years and was instrumental in establishing The Liberty Bank Foundation that provides funding-toward education, affordable housing and life essentials-for underserved communities, low-to-moderate income individuals, and families.

A poker player, he enjoyed the mental challenge and camaraderie of the table as well as his occasional winnings, and all who knew him enjoyed his wit, his wisdom, and his infectious laughter.

When he was not traveling with friends and the family, he was planning the next trip, including a cruise next month. Destinations ranged from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle, from the Seychelles to the Society Islands; Bermuda remained a favorite.

Interment at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown will be private; a celebration of Woody's life is planned for a later date.

The family wishes to express its appreciation to the administration, medical and nursing staffs of Middlesex Hospital for the care and caring given Woody. They are also truly grateful for his two caregivers and the Middlesex Hospice team who saw him through his last weeks at home.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Middlesex Health, Attention: Julie S. Flagg MD Women's Health Fund, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 05457, and online at MiddlesexHealth.org/donate. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.