Larry Woody Wittlin

Larry "Woody" Wittlin of Durham, North Carolina passed away on March 30, 2023. He was the son of the late, Samuel and Sylvia Wittlin. He aged 77 years like a fine wine, Woody was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. #TeamWoody was established in 2020 as his squad assembled to support him through his esophageal cancer diagnosis. Strength, courage, and willpower is what he embodied through this difficult journey.
Born "Larry" but with a preference for "Woody," his sense of humor and intelligence were a big part of his being. The fourth of five boys, Woody thrived academically and on the football field. His fondest memories are with his Brooklyn College Chi Alpha fraternity brothers. He was also in the Army National Guard, receiving honorable discharge.
Woody married his wife Shelley 41 years ago, dropping her on the dance floor and laughing together ever since. Woody and his wife were both New York City school teachers. Earning his MBA and pouring his heart into his profession, Mr. Wittlin wore a dress shirt and tie every day to work, teaching AP Government and Social Studies to some of the brightest minds. He retired after a long teaching career at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, NY where he was the recipient of the first New York Times Teachers Who Make a Difference Award, presented to teachers who played a significant role in the lives of their students.
Woody was pretty good at lots of things, but organization wasn't one of them. He loved to travel and plan vacations, especially to Hilton Head Island and Hawaii. He also enjoyed gardening, football, making omelets, golf, being a dad, and spending time with those he loved. He often spoke about the stock market and if you listened to his suggestions, you would be a rich person - both monetarily and from his friendship.
He raised his children in Staten Island, NY before relocating to Durham, NC in 2019. Woody is survived by his wife, Rochelle, daughters Alexis and Jacqueline, son-in-law, Chris, and granddaughters Emerson and Isla. His funeral service will be on April 4, 2023, at 10AM at Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Road in Durham, NC.
His favorite drink is a Mai Tai and you're encouraged to drink one in his honor.