Douglas Robert Woodard

WESTERLY - Douglas 'Dug' Robert Woodard, 73, of Westerly, passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday September 24, 2025. He was a brilliant, kind, generous, and gentle man who dedicated his life to his family, and the local music community he loved so deeply.

He was born August 16, 1952, in Newton, MA to Mabel Joan (Thompson) & Kenneth Woodard. Douglas attended UMass/Dartmouth and received a Bachelor of Science, afterwards earning his MBA from the University of Rhode Island. He was an employee of Darlington Fabrics in Westerly for 26 years, working as a textile chemist, then as Quality Assurance Manager. Before retiring, he owned and operated a textile consulting business for clients all over the world. Throughout his long career he had the unique opportunity to travel and visit many foreign countries and experience so many different cultures all over the globe. Travels and adventures that he so fondly remembered and reminisced about to others here at home.

Douglas was married to his loving wife Melanie (Oberg) Woodard for over 40 years, and had two incredibly talented, creative, and beautiful daughters together.

Dug always loved playing guitar for his children, then grandsons, and always loved to play a round (or many!) of chess and poker with his grandson Brayden.

If you knew Dug personally, you knew that his love of music and everything that surrounds it was palpable. From playing guitar and singing with many different groups over the years, to always making it a top priority to go and see live music, and to always helping others find their joy through performing or just experiencing music, Dug was a much loved fixture in the local music scene, giving a platform to hundreds of local artists with his long running radio show and podcast 'Dug's Open Mic.' His unending support, enthusiasm, and passion will be remembered by all who knew him for years to come.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents. Along with his wife Melanie, he is survived by his two daughters Jessica Ryan Bone (Alejandro), & Allison Marie Woodard (David DeAngelis), his two grandsons Brayden Fernald & Casey Bone, his sister Wendy Seneff and her husband Richard of Bryan, TX, his brother Wayne and his wife Joanne of New Milford, CT., many loving cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless cherished and dear friends.

The family will greet relatives and friends for visiting hours at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI on Wednesday October 1st from 3-5pm, followed by an informal service at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Douglas' name to: Save the Music, a foundation to help communities keep music education accessible in schools. savethemusic.org

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com

'For the last time, Dug signing off.'