Donald Francis Woods

Old Lyme- Donald F.Woods of Venice Florida (Old Lyme, Ct. Meriden,Ct. and Hartford,Ct) passed away quietly at his home in Old Lyme on Saturday February 25th 2023 with his live in aide and care giver Lynn Farrell (Help with A Heart) by his side. Donald was predeceased by his parents Frederick K. Woods, and Florence Woods (Doyle) his brothers James,Jerome, Jerry and former wife Winifred C.Woods (McInnis)

He is survived by his son Jeffrey D.Woods and wife Julie O’Shaughnessy and their children granddaughter Emma M. Martin( Woods) husband Joseph Martin and great-grandson Henri (Hank)K.Martin of Bristol Ct. as well as grandson Brendan J. Woods of Brooklyn NY, and grandson Dylan C. Woods and fiancé Carly Derleth of Boston Ma.

He is survived by his children and their families. Daughter Barbara A.Woods, grandson Joshua D.Woods and granddaughter and Sonja A.Woods all of Old Lyme Ct. and as well his Golden Retriever Jake.

We would like to thank the following people for their help over the past two years as Donalds health declined. We owe Lynn Farrell (Help with A Heart) a debt of gratitude for her time and energy in providing daily care for Donald. She worked very hard to provide a positive and creative home during these difficult times.Her friend and associate Carol would stand in as needed to help spell Lynn and give her some relief.Lynn was instrumental in keeping him safe, fed and cared for over the past two years. Her compassion and care were unbelievable taking the time to celebrate birthdays, holidays and create a lively atmosphere. She became amember of the family.

There were many others who helped Donald over the years.Juan Baez Torres his Sancho Panza who helped maintain “Woods Haven” and was his right handed man for over 30 years. He not only maintained the property but was there for many adventure and misadventures with Donald.Dorothy Dabbs who over the past year took time to visit and help celebrate birthdays and events. Norm Bersing who by living to close by became chief equipment repair person.

Donald was born in Hartford on February 2nd 1934 ground hogs day the son of Fred and Florence Woods. He grew up in the south end of Hartford in a neighborhood of an eclectic mix of nationalities. He attended the St.Augstine school and then Buckley High School. He made many life long friends.He was always hustling and that started continued after high school when he worked at Pratt &Whiney then in short order Chandler Evans. He met his wife and married in June of 1955. In 1956 two things happened. His first child was born son Jeffrey and he met Joseph Hogan. He and Joe Hogan became partners in the Pye &Hogan Machine Co. and stayed partners until 1989 when Joe passed away. They were men “Pye & Hogan men”.Their hard work commitment to the business and success helped many become successful in their career’s.Donalds family worked with him for over 25 years and in 2005 it was time to move on.

Donald spent his winters in Florida in his adopted hometown of Venice Florida, playing golf organizing parties and keeping his house clean and organized. He would spend the rest of the year in the warmer months at his pride and joy “Woods Haven” in Old Lyme Ct. He raised all types of farm animals and gardens and threw some amazing parties and clam bakes.

Despite his mercurial personality, he cared very much for his family and close friends.It was my way or the highway with him.He cherished the relationship he had with his granddaughter Sonja. She shared many adventure with him and he taught her how to play cards. If she only could toast a Bagel.

He will be missed by those who really knew him and respected him and his journey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 12, 2023 at 10:00am in Christ the King Church, McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme. Interment will follow in Mount St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes.