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Woods, Edward M. January 13, 1946 - November 30, 2020

Edward M. Woods, beloved husband, father and loving friend passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on November 30th, 2020.

Edward was born in Manhattan on January 13th, 1946 to the late Edward and Mary Woods. They later moved to the Bronx where Edward attended St. Margaret Mary’s Elementary School. It was there and in his Tremont Neighborhood where he met many of his lifelong friends. He graduated from Fordham Preparatory School in 1963, and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Fordham University in 1967. He then earned a Master’s Degree in Political Science and Social Studies Teacher Certification from CIty College in NYC. In addition, he earned School Administrative and Supervision Certification from City College of New Rochelle.

Edward was a passionate educator, and began his career in education as a history teacher at various schools in the Yonkers, NY Public School system from 1973-1988. His move to education administration began when he became Vice Principal of Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, NY (1988-1990). He continued his role as a Vice Principal at Ardsley High School (Ardsely, NY) from 1990-1993 and Ardsley Middle School from 1993-1995. He served as Principal of Rye Neck Middle School (Rye Neck, NY) from 1995-2005. As a principal, he was proud of the accomplishments, hard work, and dedication of the students and faculty. He retired from Rye Neck Middle School as a much loved and admired leader in 2005.

In retirement, continuing his passion and love for teaching, he served as an adjunct professor at Westchester Community College and Iona College. At Westchester Community College he returned to his love of teaching history and social studies. At Iona College, he supervised Student Teachers in their student teaching program. He continued his adjunct professorship at Westchester Community College until Spring 2020.

Edward had a lifelong love for history and politics and was rarely without a book by his side. He was an avid watcher of political commentary shows, historical programs, and documentaries. Sundays always found Edward with the NY Times and he especially loved the NYTimes crossword puzzles.

Edward enjoyed his neighborhood, often taking walks in the local park and chatting with his neighbors at his residence of 47 years, the Tudor Arms apartment building, where he served as president of the co-op board for the Tudor Arms Owners Association for several years.

Edward had a deep love for music, both making and listening. His two most prized possessions were his guitars and his walkman. He even brought a guitar to Europe, carrying it with him during a trip in his 20s! An avid singer and guitar player, he wrote his own songs and music and performed in small venues in Greenwich Village during the 1970-80s. Most of his songs were inspired by his love for his wife, his children, friends, and summer. He was an avid fan of artists such as James Taylor, The Rolling Stones, Steve Winwood, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Bob Denver and many more. A common sight was Edward sitting in his favorite chair with his headphones and walkman on, rocking back and forth to his beloved beats.

Edward always looked forward to the summer and his trips to the beach. Whether on the beaches of Rhode Island, Wildwood on the Jersey Shore, or the Carribean coasts, he loved them all. His favorite, however, was Sanibel Island in Florida where he enjoyed the palm trees, warm gulf water and the beautiful sunsets. Most family vacations were spent in Wildwood, NJ, where Ed and his family enjoyed the surf and spending time as a family among the boardwalk amusements. He was a strong body surfer and the beach was his cherished place.

In August, trips to the seashore gave way to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. He loved listening to the call of the loons on White Oak Pond while boating and swimming with his family. The family would also return to the Lakes Region in the fall with scenic trips filled with foliage that brought a beautiful end to summer.

His enjoyment of travel was apparent in his youth, as he and his wife traveled throughout Europe with stops in England, France, Germany and Italy. Staying stateside for many years, Ed returned to Europe in retirement this time with his wife and children with 2 trips to Paris.

Edward, who also went by “Eddie” and “Woodsy” to those close to him, was known for his entertaining sense of humor and storytelling. He had the privilege of having the same close group of friends since childhood and remained close with them throughout the years. He loved making people laugh, making jokes and telling stories of fun times. He was kind and generous and his loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him. Ed also had a special love of cats, and has often been referred to as “the cat whisperer,” as he seemed to create special bonds with his furry friends. His last cat “Pookins”, was especially fond of him, sitting in his lap for hours and looking up at him with love.

Edward is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Kathleen, his son Michael, and his daughter Jessica and her husband Joseph Kozak.

He is also survived by his in-laws Stephanie (John) Mullally, Gary (Ann) Gieralt and Michael Gieralt (Bonnie Welch Heron), Patrica (Roger Choen) O’Hara and nieces Jaqueline, Emily, and Stephanie. He is also survived by several cousins, numerous friends and colleagues.

Ed will be missed by all who knew him. May his songs sing forever in our hearts.

Due to current safety concerns, there will be no services at this time. Instead, please visit our online memorial website to read biography/obituary, view pictures/videos, leave tributes, hear his music, share stories, share pictures and more:   https://www.forevermissed.com/edwoods/about

If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please visit the following charities, which reflect his dedication to education, his love of music and public television, and his caring nature towards others:

 Thirteen.org

NY Public Television dedicated to education, history and the arts:

https://secure2.convio.net/wnet/site/Donation?ACTION=SHOW_DONATION_OPTIONS&CAMPAIGN_ID=3401&s_src=ABOTRIB01001&s_subsrc=13wbsprtmemtrib

Education Through Music, Inc:

A NYC based organization which provides music education programs in underserved NYC schools:

https://etmonline.org/donate/

Doctors Without Borders:

https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cfm?source=ADD200U0U00&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BRAND.DWB_CKMSF-BRAND.DWB-GS-GS-ALL-DWBBrand.All-BO-ALL-ETA-DWB-ONETIME&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtqL-BRC0ARIsAF4K3WEFj_ySQKD209x9g9WmdKQxZJmPpjkSwqdGGWpjxy0FMneUNLoB1OsaAm_XEALw_wcB

 

* Donation notifications can be sent to:

   memory.ed.2020@gmail.com

 

 

Due to current safety concerns, there will be no services at this time. Instead, please visit our online memorial website to read biography/obituary, view pictures/videos, leave tributes, hear his music, share stories, share pictures and more: ​https://www.forevermissed.com/edwoods/about

Condolences(8)

  1. REPLY
    Karen Colaneri says

    I was sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. He was a wonderful administrator, a great mentor, and a good friend to all. With heartfelt sympathy, Karen Colaneri (Rye Neck)

  2. REPLY
    Karen A Fontecchio says

    We enjoyed working with Ed for many years at Rye Neck Schools. He was a happy, kind and fun person. He will never be forgotten.
    Karen and Alan Fontecchio

  3. REPLY
    Mary Lou and Craig Torrie says

    Woodsy and I met in fifth grade and have been friends for 64 years. The world lost a wonderful man: A devoted husband to Kathy whom he loved as much after 51 years of marriage more than the day they met.
    A loving father to Jessica, Joe, and Michael. He was overflowing with love and pride for each of them.
    He was a caring and supportive son.
    He was an educator who loved every minute he spent with his students.
    He was a true friend, kind, caring, and loving.
    We will miss him terribly.
    Mary Lou and Craig
    Two of many who loved him…….

  4. REPLY
    Dennis Mahon says

    My friendship with Ed spanned 64 years. We shared youthful memories, joyous landmarks, and comforted each other when we were faced with sorrow. I will miss him terribly. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

  5. REPLY
    Erica Mahon says

    Thanks to his relationship with Dennis, Ed became a friend to me as well. I was able to experience his kindness, humor, and wit. This will forever be a blessing for me.

  6. REPLY
    Jimmy Bargallo says

    Woodsy was a special friend. I like many knew him a long time from back when everyone hung out in my father’s basement to when he was a “professor “ Woods. Too many are gone from the old neighborhood.Rest in peace and may you you always “Shoot the Gap”
    Jimmy Bargallo and Family

  7. REPLY
    Mike Carey says

    Woodsy will be greatly missed,didn’t know him as well as I would have liked. He was funny and kind .,
    My Condolences to Kathy, Michael & Jessica

  8. REPLY
    stephanie mullaly says

    The End
    BY MARK STRAND
    Not every man knows what he shall sing at the end,
    Watching the pier as the ship sails away, or what it will seem like
    When he’s held by the sea’s roar, motionless, there at the end,
    Or what he shall hope for once it is clear that he’ll never go back.

    When the time has passed to prune the rose or caress the cat,
    When the sunset torching the lawn and the full moon icing it down
    No longer appear, not every man knows what he’ll discover instead.
    When the weight of the past leans against nothing, and the sky

    Is no more than remembered light, and the stories of cirrus
    And cumulus come to a close, and all the birds are suspended in flight,
    Not every man knows what is waiting for him, or what he shall sing
    When the ship he is on slips into darkness, there at the end.

    I know Ed’s song is filled with love, humor, light and kindness. I will miss him so muck but he will always be in my heart. Ed and his songs are now stardust traveling to a new beach in the sun

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