Donald Woods
Old Lyme — Donald F. Woods of Venice, Fla., formerly of Old Lyme, Meriden, and Hartford, passed away quietly at his home in Old Lyme on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, with his live-in aide and caregiver Lynn Farrell (Help with A Heart) by his side. Donald was predeceased by his parents, Frederick K. Woods and Florence (Doyle) Woods; his brothers, James, Jerome and Jerry; and former wife Winifred C. (McInnis) Woods. 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; as well as grandson Brendan J. Woods of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and grandson Dylan C. Woods and fiancée Carly Derleth of Boston, Mass. He is survived by his children and their families: daughter Barbara A. Woods; grandson Joshua D. Woods; and granddaughter Sonja A. Woods, all of Old Lyme; and as well his golden retriever Jake.
We would like to thank the following people for their help over the past two years as Donald’s 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 a member 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-hand man for over 30 years. He not only maintained the property, but was there for many adventures 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 so close, became chief equipment repair person.
Donald was born in Hartford on Feb. 2, 1934, Groundhog 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 Saint Augustine School and then Bulkeley High School. He made many lifelong friends. He was always hustling, and that started and continued after high school when he worked at Pratt & Whitney, 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 and commitment to the business and success helped many become successful in their careers. Donald’s 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, Fla., 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. 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 adventures 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.
Services will be private for family and close friends and at a date to be determined. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes.