September 29 1945 September 19 2019
William F. Woods September 29, 1945 – September 19, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers Upload Photo| View/Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card| Memorial Donation Bill Woods passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 19, 2019 after a hard-fought 2-year battle with prostate cancer. He was born on September 29, 1945, the oldest of 7 children, and lived in Chicopee, MA until marrying his loving wife, Ann Marie (Kuras) and moving to South Hadley in 1966. They raised their two sons, Jeffrey and Daniel at 217 Willimansett Street until both retiring in 2006 when they moved to their dream house in Bourne on Cape Cod. A self-made man, Bill was a 1963 graduate of Chicopee High School and went on to build a career in information technology, starting at Electrolux in the early 1970’s and moving on to LEGO Systems, Inc. from 1976 until 2000 where he diligently worked his way to the position of IT Director. He was proud of his professional achievements and enjoyed the many opportunities that he had to travel extensively within the US as well as Denmark, France, UK, Switzerland, South America, and Mexico. He was also proud to have served in the Massachusetts National Guard for 6 years. He was passionate about all things automotive and had a keen ability to identify any American made car or truck from the 40’s through the 70’s. He was also a capable mechanic earning extra money servicing cars for friends and family as well as buying, fixing and then selling countless cars and trucks. He especially loved Corvettes and owned several different models over the years. He also enjoyed attending car shows with Ann Marie, up until recently, in his red 2005 Vette convertible. He was a jack of all trades with the ability to fix or build just about anything that required electrical wiring, carpentry, welding or plumbing. He was generous with his time and was always available to lend his skills to friends and family. Although not very artistic or stylish, the many things he built were sturdy and elegant in their simplicity. He loved being the grandfather (D-Pa) to Gabriel and Ciara and immensely enjoyed their visits to the Cape. He had a special love for his pal Gabriel who he would teach to throw a baseball, swing a golf club, drive an ATV and kick a soccer ball. They had a special bond that will be greatly missed. Bill and Ann Marie were married 53 years and were each other’s true love. They were rarely apart from each other. They loved going for rides with the top down, bicycling the bike paths of Cape Cod, visiting family and friends and dining out, sharing fried seafood and pizzas. He struggled for years with a lousy golf swing and spent more time searching for his balls than actually playing. He and his son Daniel always had a good laugh out on the course as a result of his “skills”. He also tried his hand at boating, having owned several motor boats that he enjoyed navigating the waters around Cape Cod. Bill also leaves behind two beloved daughters-in-law, Sarah (Kelley) and Katryn (McGaughey), brother-in-law Ed Kuras, sister-in-law Julie Deets, 3 brothers, 3 sisters and many, many dear friends, neighbors and former colleagues. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 4:00 pm at the Curran-O’Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, MA 01075. Calling hours will precede the service on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00pm. For more information please go to curranobrien.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in memory of William Woods to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute: danafarber.jimmyfund.org SERVICES Visitation Thursday, September 26, 2019 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Curran-O’Brien Funeral Home 33 Lamb Street South Hadley, MA 01075 Get Directions on Google Maps Funeral Service Thursday, September 26, 2019 4:00 PM Curran-O’Brien Funeral Home 33 Lamb Street South Hadley, MA 01075 Get Directions on Google Maps Print Obituary
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William F Woods September 29 1945 September 19 2019.
Curran-Jones Funeral Home – Agawam
Death notice for the town of: Agawam, state: Massachusetts