New London, NH - John Frank Woodward died peacefully with family by his side at his residence in Palm Springs, CA on December 1st, 2022, at the age of 82. John was born on May 12, 1940, in New London, NH to parents Wesley and Beth (Swett) Woodward. He spent his early years in New London’s school system, where he was an active student and a talented baseball and basketball athlete. John was a musician as well in his early years, joyfully playing the trumpet in the school band. Later, he attended Bates College, then the University of New Hampshire, where he was a member of the ROTC. He graduated with a BA Degree in political science. Post-graduation, he served as a First Lieutenant in the US Army at Fort Benning in Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1966, he married Glennis (Jones) Woodward, his English sweetheart. They met in Burlington, VT while he was working for the family housing business. Glennis came to the U.S.A. from England and was working in Burlington, VT as a first-grade teacher. John and Glennis moved to Plymouth, MA where he continued working in housing. While residing in Plymouth, they welcomed their first child, Mark, into the world. Two years later, they welcomed their daughter, Sara, into their family as well. Leaving Plymouth, MA in 1970, John and family moved back to New London, NH, where he continued to work in the housing market, before establishing his own landscaping business. John returned to housing in the mid-1970’s where he worked for Yankee Barn in Grantham, NH. Later, John moved from the housing industry to working for Lake Sunapee Bank. John and Glennis built a close-knit community of friends, many of whom John had known since childhood. John shared in their journeys, sometimes in joy and sometimes in sorrow, for decades. Many of their children and even their grandchildren fondly referred to him as “Uncle John”. John was a big supporter of youth sports. He always wanted to help young people have enriched lives and rewarding experiences. He was always there to help coach or just to cheer on his own children and the other members of their teams. Following that passion, he spent his later working years at Kearsarge Regional High School as a paraprofessional until 2013 when he retired. While at the H.S., he was active in supporting the students on sporting teams (Assistant Basketball Coach), as well as supporting the students overall in their journeys. His wittiness and unique sense of humor resonated positively with staff, students. John became known to many at the school as “Mr. W.” Missing the daily interactions with the students, John came out of retirement to return to the Kearsarge Regional High School as a substitute teacher until late 2017 when he decided it was time to fully retire. As a testament to his dedication, passion, and commitment to the youth, sports, and education, the Kearsarge Regional High School graduating class of 2018 dedicated their yearbook to John. Later that year in Fall 2018, John and his wife Glennis moved from New London to reside with their son, Mark, and his husband, Jonathan Woodward-Raup, in Palm Springs, CA. For four years John lived in Palm Springs and enjoyed living the “resort lifestyle”. He continued to touch the hearts of the people he met and grew to know, always sharing stories with people that brought smiles to their faces. “You’re a real sweetheart,” they would always say. He was an active member within the community of New London serving on boards, membership of associations, and helping community members as asked. John was a lifetime member of The First Baptist Church of New London, serving both on the Board of Deacons and the Nominating Committee. He served on the Board of Christian Education. John was active with New London Hospital where he also served as Chairman of the New London Hospital Association. John was a Director for the New London Outing Club. He was a supporter of and served as Director for the New London Historical Society. He also was a member of the Boys Club. John was a member of the New London Independent Order of Oddfellows (Heidelberg Lodge IOOF #92) from which he received his 50-year Member recognition medal. John was often seen around New London, as well seen in his Palm Springs neighborhood, walking his dog and socializing with people. He loved his canine companions dearly; he met them at rescue shelters and was a big supporter of adopting pets. John is predeceased by his parents Beth and Wesley, his Uncle Waldo and Aunt Lucy Woodward, his sister Sylvia, his brother Sumner, and his nephew Kent Woodward. Surviving family members include his wife, Glennis; his son, Mark Woodward-Raup and his husband Jonathan of Palm Springs and Los Angeles, CA; his daughter Sara Kreutz and her husband Karl and their children Noah and Phoebe, of Orono, Maine; his sister-in-law Joan Woodward of New London, NH, and nephews and nieces. His children remember him as a kind, patient, supportive father who encouraged them to pursue their dreams. “Good things come to good people,” he would always tell them. His grandchildren remember him as “Granpa John”, a dedicated grandfather who was always their greatest cheerleader. He will be forever missed. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on June 24, 2023, at The First Baptist Church, 461 Main Street, New London, NH. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life. The family encourages people to wear their favorite colors in honor and celebration of the vibrant and colorful life John lived. In lieu of flowers, please send donation tributes to the New Hampshire Humane Society on their website, www.nhhumane.org, or by mail to the New Hampshire Humane Society, 1305 Meredith Center Rd, Laconia, NH 03246. Also donation tributes may be made to The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust, https://www.ausbonsargent.org/donate, or by mail to The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust, PO Box 2040, 71 Pleasant St., New London, NH 03257.
SERVICES
Memorial ServiceSaturday, June 24, 2023 11:00 AM The First Baptist Church 461 Main Street New London, NH 03257 Get Directions on Google Maps