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John Woodcock Obituary
November 1, 1943 ~ November 6, 2019
John Woodcock, 76, departed on his journey to Heaven on November 6, 2019. He passed peacefully to the music of his favorite singer, Elvis Presley. John was born in San Francisco, on November 1, 1943, and grew up in Millbrae. John graduated from Mills High School in 1961, and joined the Army National Guard after graduation, then continued to San Francisco State University where he received a BA degree. He married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Zucchelli in 1965. John proudly joined the California Highway Patrol in 1967. He worked in various CHP offices throughout the state, beginning in Santa Fe Springs, Redwood City, and San Francisco. He ended his career in Hayward, at the rank of Lieutenant, retiring after 33 years with the CHP.John loved to fish at Donner Lake, with his brother-in-law and best friend, Tom Zucchelli. He loved to play golf, play the piano, and travel with his wife. John adored his family pets, Barney and Pepper, who brought him so much joy and happiness. John was a kind, caring, and compassionate man. He was always there for everyone with a helping hand. He will be truly missed by his family and friends, and left this world loved very much. John leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Lorraine, his beloved daughter, Lisa Woodcock of San Mateo, brother-in-law, Tom Zucchelli, sister-in-law, Linda Duimstra, two sisters, Barbara MacIntosh, and JoAnne Romero, as well as several nieces and nephews.
It was John's wishes not to have a public memorial service. Family and friends, if you wish, please consider a donation in John's name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Peninsula Humane Society in Burlingame.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Woodcock
Dave Groves
March 4, 2025
Dear Lorraine,
When I entered this site the first thing I did was read all your annual birthday, passing and other messages to John. In all honesty they made me feel so emotional that I could not leave my own message at that time and had to return later.
John was as fortunate as a man can possibly be to have someone so close and loving to him as you and I am sure you are every bit as fortunate to have had
your life shared with John. You were, and remain, a truly special couple
Bless you and all your family and friends.
Dave
Lorraine Woodcock
March 2, 2025
Dear Dave Groves,
I'm not sure if you can see this message, unless you signed up for updates, but I want to thank you so much for expressing wonderful, kind words about John. This means the world to me and our daughter Lisa. You captured all of the special, wonderful, qualities that was John. Yes, he was a very special person, good and caring in every way. I miss him so very much and I know John left a lasting, beautiful impression on all who knew and loved him. He was the love of my life. I can't wait to reunite with him again some day.
With my heartfelt thank you, Dave. I'm so glad you knew John and remember him in bright, beautiful, light.
Lorraine
Dave Groves
February 13, 2025
Late though this note may be, I want to send my deepest condolences to John's family. I met John in late 1965, shortly after I started work at ADT, the fire and burglar alarm company, in San Francisco. I was in a different division of the company but we crossed paths every so often and I always enjoyed talking to John. I can remember sitting in the parking garage of a building in SF while John sat, eating his bag lunch, and talking about his desire to join the CHP. I could be wrong, but I think John had a mid 50's Chevy he was restoring? By 1967 John had left ADT and I figured I'd never see him again. Then one day in late 1968 or early 1969, as I was driving in my company truck across the Bay Bridge, I was pulled over by a CHP cruiser. Turned out it was John. We sat at the turnout and John caught me up on his 1st year plus as a CHP patrolman. Some very interesting stories. I eventually moved on to another job and never saw John again, though his business card got me out of a few situations and I read a story or two relating to stops John made, but want to say to his family that there are VERY few people in someone's life who can make such an immediate and lasting impression in your mind that, after having had as few hours together as we had and over 50 years after that last contact with them, they still are remembered as fondly as I remember John. He was absolutely one of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met. I can see clearly how his absence in your lives has been so deeply felt.
Lorraine Woodcock
November 1, 2024
Happy Heavenly 81st. Birthday, John!
I love and miss you more every day. You remain in my heart forever.
I love you!
Lorraine
Kevin J Kelly
October 17, 2024
Lorraine... I just wanted to say how great of a guy John was. I remember the one time you and he watched my sister & I for a Monday Night 49ers game my parents were attending. He jokingly asked if we wanted a Banana Boat sundae with all the fixings. I reflect back on the CHP office especially the people I met over the years and how that was a family. My dad is not doing well and I reflected on all the other CHP friends who have passed. I am keep you, John and Lisa in my prayers. I hope this is ok I posted here. I just wanted you to know John is missed & I liked talking boxing with him because he understood the sport so well. God bless!
Lorraine Woodcock
November 6, 2023
You have been gone four years now, but you have not left my heart for one second. I love and miss you!
Until we meet again my love............
Lorraine
Lorraine Woodcock
November 1, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday, My Love! I love you and miss you and long to reunite with you again. You are forever in my heart.
Love,
Lorraine
Lorraine Woodcock
November 6, 2022
The hole in my heart will never mend, until we are reunited again!
I love you!
Lorraine
Lorraine Woodcock
November 6, 2022
It has been three years now. I visit you every day in my beautiful memories. I miss you more than ever, you are in my heart, every minute of every day.
I love you!
Lorraine
Lorraine
November 1, 2022
Happy Birthday, My Love!
Lorraine
Mike Becker
November 1, 2021
God Bless Lorraine and family.
Your words are an inspiration to many.
Mike Becker and Family
Mills 61 now SoCal
[email protected]
Lorraine Woodcock
November 1, 2021
Happy Birthday, My Love!
Next Saturday it will be two years since you made your way to heaven, you are in my heart every minute of every day. You have never left me.
I miss you!
Until we meet again!
Forever My Love,
Lorraine
Lorraine Woodcock
November 6, 2020
My beloved John has been gone from my world for one year, but he has never left my heart for one minute. I miss him every minute of every day.
John, I have loved you almost my whole life and I will miss you for the rest of my life.
Until we meet again!
Love,
Lorraine
Lorraine Woodcock
November 1, 2020
Happy Birthday my dear John. I'm thinking about you today and always. I love you and miss you so much.
Until We Meet Again!
Love,
Lorraine
Lorraine Woodcock
August 6, 2020
August 6, 2020
My beloved John has been gone for 9 months today. He has never left my heart and will remain with me for the rest of my days.
You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Until we meet again my love.
Lorraine
Lorraine Woodcock
June 21, 2020
Happy Father's Day, My Love.
Our daughter was so lucky to have you for her dad.
Love and Miss You Forever!
Lorraine
Lorraine Woodcock
June 6, 2020
My beloved John has been gone from this world for 7 months today.
I have loved you almost my whole life and I will love and miss you forever.
Lorraine
February 20, 2020
I will miss you forever John!
Love,
Lorraine
Dan Hardy
January 4, 2020
After having spent 28 years on the Highway Patrol, recently retiring 2 years ago, Ive had time to reflect back on my entire career. Out of the 500-600 different members I worked with, I can honestly count on one hand who meant the most to me. Without a doubt in the world, John Woodcock was one of them. Just prior to retiring, I ran into John at a Starbucks in Truckee. I looked over, saw him and my jaw hit the floor. I got so excited I almost couldn't see straight. He sat with a coworker and I for about 30 minutes then went on his way. He was a wonderful man and I just wanted other family and friends to know what an inspiration he was to me. :)
DJH #13160
Lorraine Woodcock
December 25, 2019
Seven weeks ago I said good-bye to the light and love of my life. On this Christmas morning I miss John more than ever. It hurts without him and my heart is breaking.
John was a wonderful, kind, compassionate, gentle man and he will remain in my heart for the rest of my days.
Rest in Peace John, until we meet again.
All My Love,
Lorraine
My daughter Lisa and I wish to thank all who posted on this site. We appreciate your kind words and tributes to John. Also, we received so many beautiful letters, cards, donations, flowers and many hugs, from family and friends.
With Much Love and Thanks,
Lorraine and Lisa Woodcock
December 25, 2019
Seven weeks ago I said good-bye to the light and love of my life. On this Christmas morning, I miss you more than anything and it hurts so much.
John was a wonderful, kind, compassionate and gentle man and he will remain in my heart for the rest of my days.
Rest in Peace John, until we meet again.
All my Love,
Lorraine
Lisa and I wish to thank all who posted on this site. Also, we received so many beautiful letters, donations, cards, flowers and many hugs. We appreciate all the kind words and tributes to John from family and friends.
Much love and many thanks!
Lorraine and Lisa Woodcock
Nicki Horton
November 29, 2019
May God help your family find peace.
November 20, 2019
Dear Lorraine and Family-
Our high school days is where I knew John. He always had a sharp eye for what was going on and passed few very good words about what it was.
For me he was always fair in what was up and was a calming thing for me.
Im only sorry we didnt connect here in SoCal.
Lorraine, my deepest sadness and prayers for Johns passing. I've been thru this in the late '90s and its never easy to think about.
But the positive things that John did, thought about, brought to others and is carried on by others he touched can help forever, sometimes a lot.
God Bless
Mike Becker '61
November 16, 2019
Sir, Thank you for your service, RIP.
Mark Sooy
November 14, 2019
Lorraine and Lisa:
I am deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. He was a great man, a true friend and a credit to the California Highway Patrol. We'll all miss his infectious laugh and dry sense of humor. He's been my friend for almost 47 years and I will truly miss him.
Alan W.
November 14, 2019
Rest in Peace John. I will always remember our CHP time together.We laughed "a lot"!
Al W.
Jeanine Acosta
November 11, 2019
Lt. Woodcock meant a great deal to my family. He was a mentor to my brother who was also an officer with the CHP. Lt. Woodcock took my brother under his wing unknowingly and for that we are grateful. My condolences and prayers to the family. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Robert Proia
November 10, 2019
To the woodcock Family,I worked with John
in the Redwood City CHP office in the 1970's.
and I have alot of good memories. About five
years ago another fellow (Curt Greenman) and
John and I had lunch together in Foster City.
We had many great stories.I'm so sorry to here
about John. Happy Trails to a good Man
Sincerely,
Bob Proia
Cliff Gray
November 8, 2019
Lorraine, I am so, so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a good man and I enjoyed the time I spent with him in the San Francisco CHP office. He always a had a sparkle in his eye and a great story to tell you. Cliff Gray
JoAnne Romero
November 8, 2019
John was truly a wonderful person and the best brother ever, he will be so missed and in our hearts forever.
Mike Kent
November 8, 2019
Dear Lorraine, Lisa and Family-
So sorry to hear of the passing of John. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. It was pleasure working with John and having him as my boss in the Special Duty unit at the CHP-San Francisco Area. We definitely had some great times together and I really enjoyed John's sense of humor. Please know that he will be truly missed.
Yvette and Mike Kent
Boi-Ngoc Vinh
November 7, 2019
On behalf of The Vinh Family, we send our deepest condolences to his wife, daughter, extended family, friends, and to all those who loved him. We had the rare opportunity to meet him at Bao's funeral three years ago and were touched that he traveled afar with his family to be there. May he always be cherished and remembered dearly.
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