Donald J. Woods, 75

FRANKLIN — Donald James Woods, 75, of Franklin, passed away May 1, 2017, at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester.

He was born Oct. 28, 1941, in Boston to James and Gladys (MacLean) Woods.

Don grew up in Everett, Massachusetts, where he graduated high school in 1959. He met his future wife, Martha J. Abbott, as an infant when they were baptized in the same church. They married a year after graduating school on June 4, 1960.

After high school, Don joined the Army and trained as a field service engineer in St. Louis and Texas. Shortly after marrying Martha, he was stationed in Germany for two years. Upon his return home, he worked in the printing press industry until his retirement in 2006.

Don and Martha moved to Franklin in 1979, where Don became involved in local organizations. He was a member of the Franklin Elks Lodge and the VFW, where he became known as Big Daddy. Don often traveled for work as well as for pleasure. He loved going to Alaska, Australia, and Canada, specifically Nova Scotia and Campobello Island in New Brunswick.

A huge fan of hockey and football, Don loved the Bruins and the Patriots and attended countless Manchester Monarchs games. He also loved animals and rescued and adopted many dogs and cats over the years. His favorite animal by far was moose, leading his grandchildren to call him Moosie instead of Grandpa.

Don is survived by his loving wife of almost 57 years, Martha, and their four children, Susan Gardner (and husband James) of Hill, William Woods (and wife Sheila) of New Hampton, April Wilson (and husband David) of Franklin, and Jennifer Taylor (and husband Ronald), of Franklin. Don also leaves three grandchildren, Katherine and Ian Gardner of Hill, and Alison Beaulieu of Franklin; and one step-grandson, Cameron Colby of New Hampton. Don also leaves two sisters, Winona Hutto of Dothon, Alabama, and Lois Stewart (and husband Donald) of Dublin, Texas. Don is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held Sunday, May 14, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the VFW in Franklin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to the Franklin Animal Shelter.