Thinking about Lonel tonight after going to a Julius Eastman concert with an amazing singer, who reminded me of him. I'm so lucky to have been taught by Lonel as a child and I wish I could tell him that now. I miss you and have been forever changed by your voice, talent, wisdom, and kindness.

I was so deeply saddened to learn of Lonel's passing. I only had the pleasure of knowing him for the short time I spent at Crane for the Pellicciotti a few years back. But that was enough to feel the extraordinary light and warmth he brought everywhere he went. I remember thinking then that this was a person I'd like to get to know, and I'm so sad that that now can't be.

Lonel will be greatly missed. He had so much to give, at Crane, at St. Mary's Church, and to everyone he encountered. I will especially miss the chance to do music with him at St. Mary's, and am thankful to have known him. May he rest in peace.

Jane Subramanian


So sad to hear this. He was a dear man. Rest In Peace Lonel. You made my life much sweeter. My deepest condolences to his family.

His light was ever-present when he was with us physically.  And now, his light, magnified in his absence, will shine even brighter on all of us.  He was kind, wise, judicious, and generous.  Love streamed from him to any and all who were blessed by his presence.  He was a good friend, a wonderful colleague, an indefatigable presence for good and all things good.  We will miss him in the physical, but we will embrace his presence as we invite him to continue to be an influence for the best in all of us.  We will never know the extent of his suffering, but we know now that the suffering has ended, and that he is at peace.  God bless you, dear friend.  I thank God for your presence in our lives.

I feel lucky to have known Lonel. He radiated joy and care, for others, for his work, for his art, for the community. I remember interviewing him about his life and his approach to teaching for our alumni magazine. His answers were so vivid and compelling that I ultimately asked him if I could simply transcribe them and present them in their entirety, rather than interspersing with my comments as the author. After he was named Dean, he invited me to join a virtual meeting when Crane was named a Yamaha Institution of Excellence. It turned out that I wasn't really much needed at the meeting, but I stuck around anyway, because they were asking him questions about his vision for Crane... and I just had to hear. He loved the quirkiness and creativity of Crane's students and cared so deeply about inclusivity -- including diversifying the curriculum and bringing more people into the world of music in new and different ways. We will miss you, our friend. Thank you for all that you have done to teach and inspire so many!

Despite having interacted and worked with Dr. Woods for many years at the Crane School, my first memory, and one that my mind always goes to is when I worked with him at a Jefferson-Lewis county bi-county festival, during my later high school years. He was conducting for the senior choir at the time, and I remember being astounded with how much he could work a room. He oozed with personality, kindness, and musical excellence that I could not wait to learn from. He handled every moment, no matter how stressful or emotionally fueled, with grace and wisdom. Whether it be preparing for a concert, receiving feedback on a performance, or playing a kickball game, there was not a moment Dr. Woods was somewhere, and that place wasn't better for it. Dr. Lonel Woods is an example of what many of us should strive to be, and is certainly a model for the type of person I can only dream of being one day. He lived his phrase "peace and love" to the letter, and I will carry those memories for the rest of my life.

I will truly miss my friend Lonel. So many great memories were made at Washington National Opera and our yearly trips to see Broadway shows in NYC. My deepest condolences to his family.

Lonel was one of those rare and special people who radiated joy and compassion. He brightened every meeting he attended with his smile and his wisdom. During long months of zoom meetings, I always smiled when I saw Lonel on the screen. He was welcoming, compassionate, soft-spoken, and eloquent.   I looked forward to getting to know Lonel better in his role as Interim Dean of Crane because I thought Lonel was one of the most amazing people I had ever met. He shone so brightly that people just naturally gravitated to him like months to a candle. My heart goes out to Lonel's dear family, his many students, his friends, and all who were his colleagues. We have lost a part of our campus soul with Lonel's passing. Peace and love.

We met on faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in 2013. He treated me as a colleague from moment one. When we got talking it turned out he taught at my undergrad in Potsdam (Class of '97)! We had a few fabulous summers of deep conversations, music making, laughter, and dancing (where he taught me how *not* to lead, in the most gentle, Lonel way possible). The last meal we shared together at Pekadills in 2016, I was able to tell him how very much I valued his friendship and counsel. I am glad we had that time together. I will miss his light.  

Lonel,

The beauty of your spirit is something I will always hold close. You were a constant support, a helping hand, a voice of reason and friend to laugh with. You were so much more than and incredible educator. You were our friend, our mentor and a guiding light. 

Thank you for your mentorship, your love and your artistry. Your gift to us can never be repaid.  We miss you, and look forward to meeting again. May this next journey bring you eternal peace and love always.

Love,
Meg Watson, Crane Class of 2011

Dr. Woods,

Thank you for being the kindhearted and lively person you are. The supportive and caring environment amongst students in Crane was created by your influence. I am so grateful to have crossed paths with such an amazing soul. Your smile and laughter were always so contagious, especially during our studio vs studio kickball game! Your office, always open to anyone in need. Thank you for helping me to grow not only as a musician but as a human being. I will never forget our conversations in passing, and the lessons you have taught me. Your smile would brighten every room. Your philosophies of peace and love will forever fill the hallways of Crane. You were and will always be so loved by all of us.

To the family of Dr. Woods, his cherished studio, students, colleagues, and alumni, I am so sorry for your loss. In the spirit of peace and love, his legacy will be with us always.

All of the love,
Ryan

Dr. Lonel Woods is one of the finest human beings and creative artists that I have had the privilege to work with, scheme with, create with and play.  Some of my fondest memories are of us laughing together-- his beautiful laugh!- about the foibles of humans, our vulnerabilities and our strengths.  He was a wise and thoughtful man who taught me a lot about how to fight for what you believe, what you know to be right and good, with passion and clear headedness.  He was articulate and earnest, honest and compassionate.   I regret I did not have more time with him, to learn more, to do more creative projects together, to scheme about how to make good things happen.  His beautiful spirit and his tireless commitment to the highest good must remain with us as we work toward creating a more just and equitable world.  

Dear Lonel, singing with you was always a joy. Your bright smile seemed a reflection of your joyous spirit.

“May the Angels lead you into paradise:
may the martyrs receive you at your coming, and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem.

“May the choir of Angels receive you, and with Lazarus, who once was poor, may you have everlasting rest.”

And may the choir of Angels rejoice in your singing with them, as we here below were so blessed to have done!

Remembering Lonel for his kindness, positivity and infectious laugh. You inspired many and I am grateful for our time together at the Crane School of Music. Rest peacefully and enjoy being part of the angelic choir. 

To the Family of Dr. Woods

May your hearts find comfort in your hour of bereavement. Potsdam Alumnus, Class of 2017.

Sincerely,

The Carter Family; Syracuse, New York

Dear Lonel…
Truly one of the kindest souls on the planet. Always giving a gentle smile…or a funny joke, he was such a pleasure to sing with and I am so very saddened to learn of his death. 
 May his memory be the blessing he is!
Love you…

My first memory of Lonel was of him and his twin brother happily  running down 71st Street.  They were the second set of twins on our block, and they were the babies.  So sorry he has made his transition.  I know that he is making beautiful music with the angels and conducting the heavenly band!  

Lonel was such a wonderful colleague and singing with him in the Washington Opera Chorus was a great thrill.   Deep condolences to his friends and family -  he will be dearly missed.  Rest with the angels Lonel🌹

I was so privileged to work with Dean Woods this past year. His kindness and wisdom shown through in all of his work; his impact on his colleagues was immense. He will be missed by many and for so many reasons. 

Gretchen Galbraith
Dean, Arts & Sciences
SUNY Potsdam

Lonel,

I am so saddened to learn of your passing and just can’t believe it.  You were always so nice to me when I was at SUNY Potsdam and such a caring person.  I am so glad that I had the honor of getting to know you.  May you Rest In Peace and love. 

Stacey


Serving as substitute organist at St. Mary's, Potsdam and St  Patrick's, Colton was a rewarding experience due to Lonel's engaging and delightful personality, together with his surperb musicianship.  Will certainly miss our chats, lunches, and above all, the sharing of music for the Glory of God.

It is impossible to put into words the loss that we feel; SUNY Potsdam will not be the same without Dean Woods.  Lonel was an incredible educator, leader, advocate, colleague, artist, role model, friend.  I know that he will continue to inspire us to be better people, and that he will always hold a special place in our hearts.  We miss you, Lonel.

Bette

I share the sadness of so many in losing from among us the joyfulness, compassion, leadership, musicality, and strength of our dear friend Lonel Woods.  I was privileged to begin my work at The Crane School at the same time Lonel arrived, and it was an honor to come to know him as a superb musician, a deeply dedicated teacher, a visionary and caring human being, and a friend.  Though his time at Crane was so sadly shortened, he has made deep impact on the school, on SUNY Potsdam, and on the entire community that will never be forgotten, and that will continue to bring about lasting positive change.  We celebrate that immense impact as we mourn the loss of our friend, and as we send strength and condolences to his family and all those close to him.  As he himself said in every communication: may he rest in peace and love.

Michael Sitton
Dean Emeritus, The Crane School of Music


My Dearest Lonel,
My dinner partner, +1, close confidant. You are in my heart forever. I hope you are celebrating with friends and family, pain-free, and onto your new heavenly duties. The old ones were immense, perhaps too much, but I know you wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

I love so much! I’ll see you in my dreams! 
Love always, Karen 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Dr. Lonel Woods

5 octobre 1967 – 16 mai 2021

Garner Funeral Service

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