Joseph James Woods

Dr. Joseph J. Woods, 82, of Wallingford, beloved husband of Geraldine “Gerry” (McGettigan) Woods, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026, in the loving comfort and presence of his family.

Joe was born on June 21, 1943, in Camden, NJ, the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Black) Woods. He was the eldest of three boys with brothers Mark (Michele) Woods of Maple Shade, NJ, and John (Phil) Woods of Lambertville, NJ. After graduating with a degree in Biology from St. Joseph University of Philadelphia, Joe pursued a six year doctoral program from Rutgers University of New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1970, Joe and Gerry made the move to Cheshire, where Joe became a beloved member of the Quinnipiac University community. Working his way up from Assistant Professor to Professor of Biology and eventually becoming the Dean of the Allied Health and Natural Science School until he retired after 51 years in 2022. One of Joe’s greatest sources of pride was being a contributing member of the Cheshire community. Each holiday season Joe donned the handmaid outfit and played a jolly rendition of Santa Claus. His energy and passion in his character brightened up each holiday gathering.

Besides his beloved wife, Gerry, with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage on June 15, 2025, Joseph was the beloved father of Christopher (Susan) Woods of Warwick, RI, Alisa (David) Brissette of Branford, and Michael Woods of Wallingford. Cherished grandfather of Matthew Woods, Jillian Woods, Madeline Brissette, Mark Woods, Eden Woods, and Nora Woods.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Wallingford Senior Center, the Teams at Yale New Haven Hospital, Saint Raphael Campus and Gaylord Specialty Healthcare for the special care and dedication to Joe.

Arrangements – Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main Street. On Saturday morning, friends will be received at the funeral home from 10:30 am until the funeral procession leaves the funeral home and proceeds to St. Bridget Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Committal services will be held at the convenience of the family in Saint Bridget Cemetery in Cheshire. In lieu of flowers, the family requests support be directed to the Joseph J. Woods Memorial Scholarship at Quinnipiac University. Gifts may be sent to: The Office of Development, Quinnipiac University, 275 Mount Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT 06518-1908 or by clicking HERE.