Brian G. Woods

Brian G. Woods, brother and friend, of Rochester, NY, passed at age 78 on July 15, 2025, a result of complications from an auto accident.

 Son of the late Floyd and Norma (Trexler) Woods, Brian was born in Auburn, NY, on May 24, 1947.

 Known for his infectious laughter and unwavering love for life he brought light and levity to everyone fortunate enough to know him. A graduate of Cato-Meridian High School, Class of 1965, Brian was a standout athlete who excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and more. He went on to higher education at Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport, later earning a master’s degree in labor relations from the University of Massachusetts.

Brian dedicated his life to public service and community enrichment. In the later 1960s, he began his career as a Recreation Supervisor for the Town of Penfield. In the 1970s, he joined the City of Rochester Recreation Department, where he worked to support local youth and the elderly through the parks system. A proud member of AFSCME 1635, Brian proudly served as a union member/employee and went on to become Vice President of the local chapter. He retired in 2006 after 35 years of faithful service to the City of Rochester. Brian was a man of many talents and passions. He was a food connoisseur and enjoyed cooking.

 He was a skilled fisherman and in the 1980s captained his charter fishing boat, the Grady White, on Lake Ontario. He loved college and professional sports including hockey, lacrosse, NASCAR, and the Kentucky Derby. Brian loved being outdoors where his passions included big and small game hunting, photography and farming. Known for his generosity he helped friends and relatives with construction and remodeling projects.

Brian had a special sense of humor; through the years he would play his version of Santa Claus and “the Swami” creating lasting memories.

He is survived by his siblings: James Woods (June) of Glens Falls, NY; Gary Woods (Margaret) of Broken Arrow, OK; Richard Woods (Julie) of Memphis, NY; Marilyn Baldwin (Paul) of Memphis, NY; Wayne Woods of Cato, NY; and Janet Woods of Melbourne, FL. Brian also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held on September 18 at Potters Farm to Fork (1591 NY-3, Port Byron, NY) from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Donation can be made to: Cato-Meridian Athletic Dept. and sent to PO Box 12 Memphis NY 13112 (write: Brian Woods Donation in the memo). 

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