Obituary of Francis E. Woods

Francis E. Woods (Fran or Frank) 88, of Old Saybrook CT, passed away on August 6, 2015 after a long illness. Francis, formerly of Prospect, CT, leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Beverly (Bernier) Woods, his 4 children and 6 grandchildren: Mark and Marlene Woods and their daughter Laura of Burlington, MA; Bryan and Helga Woods of Old Saybrook, CT, their son Michael of Mansfield/Storrs, CT, and their daughter Katherine of New York, NY; Valerie and Edward Collins and their daughter Alyssa of Carrboro, NC, and their son Christopher of Wallingford, CT; Susan and Thomas Allaire and their son Nathan of Newington, CT. Francis also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, John Woods of Wilbraham, MA, George Woods of Los Angeles, California, and Arthur Woods of Waterbury, CT. Fran, a native of Waterbury, CT, was born on August 1, 1927, and grew up on Walnut and Cherry Streets. He later graduated from St. Mary's Grammar School, Crosby High School, Fairfield University, and the University of Connecticut, where he received his Ph.D. He held a lifelong career in education, first as a teacher, then as the Director of Platt Regional Vocational Technical School in Milford, CT. When Fran married his wife Beverly he moved to Prospect, where together they raised their family and lived for many years. Fran was a lifelong community volunteer, working with many of Prospect's civic organizations, along with teaching ballroom dancing. He enjoyed music, reading, telling stories, watching the Boston Red Sox, and all things Irish. Fran's favorite times were spent with his family. They will miss him dearly, and wish him God's peace and love as he makes his final life's journey. A wake will be held on August 10, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT. A Funeral Mass will be held on August 11, 2015 at 11:30 am at St. John's Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT, followed by burial at Riverside Cemetery, Old Saybrook, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Francis' name to the American Heart Association, or to the American Cancer Society. To share a memory of Francis or leave a condolence for his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.