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Richard Woodworth Obituary
He is survived by two sons Thomas M. & his wife Susan of Pawcatuck; Jeffrey R. & his wife Joan of Westwood, MA; a daughter Susan E. Narotsky & her husband Seth of Higganum, CT; and 6 grandchildren- Kelsey, Kyle and Connor of Pawcatuck and Hannah, Katherine and Lauren of Westwood, MA, a brother William of Cherry Hill, NJ and a brother David of Farmington, CT. He is predeceased by a sister Mary W. Grandchamp.
Born in New London, son of the late Richard N. and Mary B. Woodworth in New London, CT, he attended Harbor School and graduated from New London High School in 1957, where he was active in the music department, the school yearbook and newspaper.
Richard received his Assoc. degree from Mitchell College in New London and his Bachelor and Master's degrees from Central CT State University in New Britain. He went on to earn his 6th year (or CAGS) in Public School Administration from Southern CT State University in New Haven.
Initially he taught at Maloney High School in Meriden, CT, for 3 ½ years before moving to Stonington. While in Meriden, he was asst. soccer coach, head swimming coach and Business Dept Chair. In Stonington he taught at Stonington High School, Pawcatuck and Mystic Middle, for the next 32 years. Additionally, he was the school's first head soccer coach and served as asst. athletic director for more than 25+ years. Upon retirement in 1997, he accepted the position of principal, at St. Michael School in Pawcatuck, where he served for 8 years. Upon retiring from St. Michael School, he was asked to be the principal at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary School in Jewett City, CT. He served there for 3 years, finally retiring from education in 2008.
While living in Stonington Borough and then in Pawcatuck, he was active in the following organizations:
Treasurer Stonington Como
District Commissioner of Boy Scouts, Pequot Council, New London
Past Member Stonington Pioneer Hook and Ladder
Past Member and Asst. Chief, Wequetequock Fire Dept.
Past President Wequetequock Fire District
Life member Westerly Elks
Past President and member Pawcatuck Lions
Treasurer of Stonington Education Association
Life member Conn. Education Assoc. and National Educational Assoc.
Member of National Catholic Education Association
Commissioner, New England School & Colleges (NEASC); Independent Schools Commission
Member ASCD
Member CT Assoc. of Schools (CAS)
Member of National Assoc. Secondary Schools and Principals (NASSP)
Communicant of St. Michael Church, Pawcatuck
Calling hours are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, at Gaffney Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly, R.I. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, 9 a.m., at St. Mary Church, Stonington, CT. Interment will be in the River Bend Cemetery, 117 Beach St., Westerly. There is no procession from the funeral home to the church. For online condolences go to www.gaffney-dolanfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oncology Dept., Women and Infants' Hospital, 1 Blackstone Place, Providence, RI 02905-2499, ATTN: Dr. Robert Legare.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Woodworth
Mimi Spellman Romano
June 27, 2014
Always a smile at SHS a very nice man.
Jean Fiore
June 25, 2014
Was shocked to learned of Mr. Woodworth's death as he was always so full of life. He was one of those rare teachers that all students loved and respected. Have thoroughly enjoyed reading the entries in this guestbook and learning of the impact he had on SOOO many. Truly not surprising. I can still picture him monitoring the halls of Stonington High decades ago. He was great at keeping the peace. Thanks for teaching us by example how to behave and treat others with kindness. Please accept my condolences on the passing of your very special Dad.
Roberta Kessler
June 24, 2014
Dear Loving Woodworth Family & Friends,
Where do we get such men? Mr. Woodworth was one of the greatest men our community was privileged and honored to know. He served our great town in every way possible with strength, honor, commitment and love. The fine tribute in the Westerly Sun with heartfelt quotes from local soccer legends, and friends, Joe & Steve made me smile and I hope give you comfort. Praying God will show you His love through caring friends, comforting memories and moments of peace....Praying he will give you whatever your hearts need most now.
Rosemary (Cordeiro) Kamireddy
June 18, 2014
Jeff and family,
Your dad was a special man; my thoughts and condolences are with you.
Teresa (young) Amaral
June 17, 2014
So Sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to be one of his students in Mystic Middle School many years ago. I also had him for drivers training in high school. He devoted many hours to his students and was one of my favorite teachers. May he rest in peace.
Betty Gomes
June 12, 2014
Sorry for your loss Joan, I lost Dick 2 years ago, I know how you feel. Birdland was the place to live!? My sympathy to all.
Grace Clark-Newton
June 9, 2014
So sorry to hear of Mr Woodworths passing. My condolences to the family. Mr Woodworth was my teacher at SHS, what a wonderful man. His reading of the school lunch menu every morning (his way) would wake us up. I also was blessed and honored to have had him teach me how to drive. Quite an experience for both him and me. Thanks Mr Woodworth, Rest In Peace.
June 8, 2014
Dick was a very special person. We worked together at JCPenney and he always exemplified the best. Sue, remember our shoe days? I am so sorry for your loss -- he was an exceptional man and we will miss him at the beach, where he was a reassuring presence. We would always come late, and he called us "the second shift."
We are so sorry for your loss, and for the loss to our community of an outstanding individual.
Marge and Dick Celico
Danny & Idette Thompson
June 8, 2014
To the Woodworth Family:
So sorry for the loss of your father/grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Bonnie-Jean (Kessler) Van Pelt
June 7, 2014
I was lucky enough to have been a student of this wonderful man, many years ago. Please accept our family's condolences.
Mary Christina
June 6, 2014
To the Woodworth family, My sincere condolances to all of you. I was a childhood friend of your Mom & knew how happy she was when she married your Dad. The love that they shared & gave to everyone was amazing. They are together now shining their love on all of us. May you have comfort in knowing they are together in paradise.
Ellie (Savin) Dunn
June 6, 2014
My sincere condolences to the entire Woodworth family on the passing of your beloved father and grandfather. Mr. Woodworth was one of my all time favorite teachers. I think of him often when I'm balancing my checkbook or filing an income tax return!! He taught me so much when I had him as a teacher at SHS. He was such a kind man who always had a great big smile on his face. He is now with your mom and grandma where the two of them will forever watch over all of you. My deepest sympathy.
Colleen Murdock
June 6, 2014
Dear Woodworth Family-
Our family has wonderful memories of a kind, caring principal who took such a great interest in the students of St. Michael's and their families. He was a wonderful educator and person, and his passing is loss for the entire Pawcatuck community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Allan and Sarah Teixeira
June 6, 2014
Dear Sue and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thought and prayers are with you.
June 6, 2014
So very sorry to hear of Woody's passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences to the entire family. Rick & Meg Soulas
Carl Johnson
June 5, 2014
The Woodworth Family,
My sympathy on your loss. Your Dad was a special person who touched the lives of and helped many people. He will be sadly missed in the community.
Steve Sutton
June 5, 2014
Dear Sue, Jeff, and Tom,
My family is so saddened to hear of Mr. Woodworth's passing. It is difficult to even begin to put down in words what he meant to us.
Our first encounter was when he coached the COMO soccer team in the old Mystic Valley Soccer league and I played on the Mystic team. We had some real battles. Ironically, I was reading Pele's new book on the train, when my daughter informed me of Coach's passing. Tough to read with tears in your eyes, but Pele was talking about playing in bare feet with rolled up socks for a ball when he was a kid. Not too far off from what we used back then.
The time I got to know him best was at SHS where he was my soccer coach for three years. Oh, the fun we had. And he was the reason I was able to go on and play in college. Never would have happened without his help.
When he became Principle at St. Michael's, it was my children's turn to have the privilege of getting to know him. And he got to know them as well. It was comforting to know that Woody was watching over my children everyday.
It pains me to know that I will not be seeing him anymore, as it was always an unexpected pleasure when it happened. The last time was a couple of weeks ago coming out of mass at St. Mary's. Joe Mendonca and I had a nice chat with him. Of course soccer, his children, and his grandchildren were the main topics.
Your Dad touched countless lives in so many positive ways as a teacher, coach, and a friend. His devotion and love for your Mom was inspirational and a beautiful thing to witness as was his love of the Catholic faith. He was truly one-of-a-kind and was a man that we looked up to and in many ways tried to emulate. I know I fell short, but then again, he set the bar extremely high. If I even came close I think I did OK.
My family and I send our condolences. I hope that your hearts are a little less heavy from all of the kind words expressed about your Dad. May the Lord give you comfort during this difficult time. He is with your Mom now.
Goodbye Coach, and thank you.
Cheryl Pelcher
June 5, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Woodworth's passing. He was such a nice person.
Sharon & Dave Pacheco
June 4, 2014
Our hearts go out to your family during this most difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Sheila Thomas
June 4, 2014
One of my favorite teachers from SHS - a real class act.
Maddie Rockwood
June 4, 2014
To the Woodworth family-
Mr. Woodworth was one of the most influential people in my life. While working at the beach he would talk to me and give me advice. He was really important to me and helped me with through a lot. I am so happy to have known him. So sad to know he is gone but he is in a better place now and he is watching over all of us.
Lori Young Skelton
June 4, 2014
My condolences to all of you. I enjoyed having your dad as a teacher and I know my parents have enjoyed going out to dinner with him over the years. May he rest in peace with your mom.
Kelly (Johns) Marchand
June 4, 2014
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Woodworth's passing. What an incredible life he lived! I was so
fortunate to have had him as my teacher at SHS and then work under his guidance at JC Penney. He was a true gentleman with a kind heart and caring spirit. May he rest in peace!
Sincere condolences to Tom, Jeff and Susan during this most difficult time.
Charlene Tops
June 4, 2014
I am just one life that he touched. Your presence will certainly be missed!!
karin maychek
June 4, 2014
I am very sorry to here about dick he was so good to me last summer when my dad was sick and died he had the biggest heart and smile when you came on the beach at watch hill.
Karen Erikson
June 4, 2014
To the Woodworth Family,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Woodworth. I am a former student and also taught under his guidance at St. Michael School. He was truly a great man. My prayers and condolences to all of you.
June 4, 2014
Dick was a true friend and supported me when we worked together for the Diocese of Norwich. Our prayers go out to the family.
Barbara and Bob Polanski
Dave Pacheco Jr (Chico)
June 4, 2014
Tom, Jeff & Sue,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a great man, teacher, coach and friend and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mike O'Farrell
June 4, 2014
Tom, Jeff and Sue,
There are people that you will always just remember. Your Dad is one of them. For so many reasons. SHS, Little League, St. Michael's. Those are the three for me. What a presence. But what a gentle way. I can think back to SHS and see him standing in the hallway. I can think back to PLL and see him at the fields. I can think back to SHS and remember when he called me as an alum to get my opinion on something. Trying times for you, but so many good things to remember -- and knowing he touched so many.
PATRICIA LOGAN SHAFER
June 4, 2014
to the woodworth familys, so sorry to have read about mr woodworths passing. always saw and chatted with him at the pasta dinners at the paw vfw.he was my teacher at ston high many yrs . he will be truely missed.he touched many lives in his teaching yrs at ston high.he was truely a wonderful inspiratation to all who came in contact with him or knew him.he was a very enjoyable man to be around and a wonderful joy to all who who knew him and chatted with him when you saw him and he always had a wonderful good morning greeting at ston high while he was teaching.he was loved and respected where ever you saw him. he always had a smile for everyone even at the pasta dinners at paw vfw.he was truely a wonderful assett to this community. he will be sorely missed by the entire community.loved you mr woodworth!: you were always a great joy to me in records keeping class.you will be truely missed by all your friends in the community and your former students.may you rest in peace mr woodworth. we all love you so much.RIP MR WOODWORTH.PATTY LOGAN
Jamie Anderson
June 4, 2014
Dick was the best neighbor someone could ask for. Always friendly and with a smile on his face. He will be missed dearly by myself and family. It was a pleasure knowing you sir; rest in peace with your beloved Joan~
Pat & Fred Moody
June 4, 2014
There are teachers and there are educators...Mr. Woodworth's career has been that of an educator. The countless lives he touched will forever be influenced by his talents. May his family be comforted by the many memories that include his bright smile and infectious laugh.
Lisa (Barber) Henderson
June 4, 2014
Mr. Woodworth was one of very favorite teachers at SHS. I will always remember his patience and ready smile. Prayers for his family and friends as they go forward in the days ahead.
Mark Paul
June 4, 2014
As a former student Mr. Woodworth was a true icon to the teaching community. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. My condolences to all his family at this difficult time.
June 4, 2014
This man made such a difference in so many peoples lives. He was a true friend and I will miss his smile and words of wisdom. May you all find comfort in your memories and the lives he made better. I know he and your Mom have the best seat on the beach - close to the water! Betty-Jo Cugini and Family.
Barbara Davies-Wall
June 4, 2014
I was one of Mr Woodworth's many students. He truly made a great mark on many people's lives, including mine. He will be greatly missed by many.
mary gomes
June 4, 2014
One of the BEST teachers ever! He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mary E. (Estus)Gomes, class of 1968
Sheila Beauchamp - Miner
June 4, 2014
May you rest in peace Mr. Woodworth. You were a great teacher.
John & Barbara Gerwatosky
June 4, 2014
John & I have fond Memories of Woody. He was a LifeGuard with John and in Our Wedding...He will be greatly missed and our condolences are sent to his family...
He will still be at The Beach in Spirit.
Madeleine Christie Jarvis
June 4, 2014
Bill, my deepest sympathy on the passing of your brother. I have memories of him when I used to be at your house for piano lessons, and he'd go running out the door to the firehouse when the alarm went off! Peace to all of the family.
Sandra Clarke Oney
June 4, 2014
Bill...so sorry to hear of your brother's passing.
May you and your family find comfort in memories of happier times.
Brian Harrison
June 4, 2014
Love and Condolences to the family from the Harrison's!!!!!! He will be missed GREATLY!!!!!!!
Christina & Michael McLeod
June 3, 2014
We knew Mr. Woodworth from the beach and he was truly a wonderful man. May God rest his soul.
Wayne Brusseau
June 3, 2014
His place with us on the beach will always be there... I can't believe after almost 30 summers that I won't see Mr. Woodworth! The place just won't be the same. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and I am comforted to know that he has been reunited with Mrs. Woodworth.
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