Donald Woods

E. Donald Woods, 86, of West Hartford, husband of Irene (Laliberte) Woods, died unexpectedly Thursday, April 14, 2016. Born and raised in New Britain, the son of the late Ernest and Ellen (O'Connell) Woods, Donald graduated from Teachers College of Connecticut (CCSU) and went on to earn his Master's Degree from Columbia University in NYC. He began his teaching career in Eastford, CT and in 1959 took a position with King Philip Elementary where he taught for over 35 years. Donald was proud of his Irish heritage and an active communicant of the Church of Saint Peter Claver in West Hartford. He belonged to the West Hartford Squires, with whom he enjoyed bowling and golfing, and was a former member of Fernleigh Lawn Bowling Club. He had a zest for life and still, at 86, enjoyed being active. Donald loved music and in his youth played bass and piano in the swing band at Lake Compounce. He loved spending time at the beach with his family, especially Hammonasett where he worked as life guard as a teen, and was an artist, a history and aviation buff, as well as an avid modeler. He loved his family above all else and was always there in times of need. He was a devoted husband, loving and proud father and grandfather. Besides Irene, his wife of over 60 years, Donald leaves two children, a son, David S. Woods and his wife Mary of West Hartford, and a daughter, Mary Ellen Woods of Northampton, MA; he also leaves three grandchildren, Ryan Woods, Elizabeth Woods and Caroline Woods; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant son, Donald Woods, his brother, Lawrence Woods and his sister Marceline Cormier. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at the Church of Saint Peter Claver, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours will be Monday, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donald's memory may be made to the Church of Saint Peter Claver. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.

Donald Woods

April 14, 1930 - April 14, 2016