PERMANENT DEACON THOMAS J. WOODS
1936 – 2017
Deacon Thomas J. Woods, retired permanent deacon, died on Saturday, December 16, 2017, from complications related to cancer. Deacon Woods was born on October 5, 1936. He was 81 years old.
Deacon Woods was born in New York City, and his family moved to Narberth, Pennsylvania when he was a child. He was one of two boys born to the marriage of Thomas and Mary Woods. His mother died when he was ten years old. His father died four years later. He was raised by his paternal uncle and aunt, and raised with his three cousins: Suzanne, Catherine, and Theresa. Deacon Woods was a graduate of Saint Thomas More High School, and Villanova University, where he received a BS degree in economics in 1958. He was employed for over 25 years as a sales associate for the Campbell Soup Company. Following his retirement Deacon Woods was employed for five years as the business manager at Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square.
Deacon Woods was ordained a Permanent Deacon by Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen on June 5, 1994, at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. He was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish, Havertown, until his retirement in January, 2013.
Deacon Woods is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Sheridan Woods; his children: Thomas, James, Michael, and Mary; 8 grandchildren: Kerry, Kathleen, Claire, James, Bridget, Michael, Lauren, Megan; his brother Dennis and cousins: Suzanne, Catherine, and Theresa.
The Reception of the Body, viewing, and Evening prayer will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Sacred Heart Parish, Manoa Road, Havertown, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A second viewing will be held on Friday, December 22, 2017 beginning at 9:30 AM followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior will celebrate Deacon Wood’s Funeral Mass. The homilist will be Reverend Monsignor Henry J. McKee. The Deacon Assisting at the Liturgy of the Word will be Deacon John J. Suplee. The Deacon Assisting at the Altar will be Deacon George E. Morris. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.