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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Harvey A. Woods, Jr.

Harvey A. Woods, Jr., 92, of Claymont, DE, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022. A life-long Delawarean, he was the son of Harvey A. Woods and Mary Rebecca Woods (Wilson).

After graduating from high school, Harvey worked for several years before enlisting in the Navy.  He was a gunner’s mate on an LST. Upon completion of his service in the Navy, he continued his career with the Diamond State Telephone Company. It was there that he met his future wife of 63 years, Valerie J. Woods (Stafford).

Harvey retired from the telephone company in 1985 and then began a second career with the State of Delaware as a facilities manager.  He retired from the state in 1994.

Harvey devoted much of his time to serving his community. Harvey and Valerie were both enthusiastic volunteers with the Telephone Pioneers, especially with Hug-a-Bears and the Literacy programs. Harvey was also involved with repairing Talking Books for the blind and painting maps of the U.S. for elementary school playgrounds. He was also an active member of the Claymont Lion’s Club, and particularly enjoyed helping sell Christmas Trees every year.

Harvey lived in the same home in Claymont for nearly 60 years. He had a passion for gardening. His beautiful, park-like yard was meticulously maintained by him until the very end. He was a devout man who was very active in his church and tremendously enjoyed the brotherhood with his many church friends.

Harvey and Valerie traveled extensively. They enjoyed the many years they vacationed in Edisto Island, S.C., especially when the family could join them.

Harvey’s family meant everything to him. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. Harvey was predeceased by his beloved wife, Valerie. He is survived by his two children, Harvey A. Woods, III (Pattie) and M. Susan Woods (Gary), two grandchildren Heather Molin (Micah) and Sean Woods (Holly), one great-grandson Landon and two great-granddaughters, Nina and Tess, who “adopted” Harvey as their own. He is also survived by his brother David (Hope), niece Donna and nephew Kevin.

The family would appreciate memorial gifts may be made in Harvey’s name to Atonement Methodist Church, 3519 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703 or to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, 4701 Ogletown Stanton Rd., Newark DE. 19713.

Funeral Services

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a future date.

Condolences

    Bill Martin writes,
    Sue and Chip. I'm so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. He was a good and kind man.
    01/09/2022 07:57 am
    sandra taylorWW writes,
    Words can not express my.deepest sorrow. Harvey was one in a million. Always caring & always willing to go above & beyond in serving in anything he undertook..I will miss him & my thoughts & prayers are with the family. He is now at peace wih the love of his life Val..
    01/09/2022 09:24 am
    Fran Spagna writes,
    Harvey was a dear friend and a wonderful person. His contagious pioneering spirit and unwavering approach in volunteering bear witness to a man whose integrity and abiding commitment to “Answering the Call of Those in Need” profoundly influenced all of us in Pioneering. You will be missed.
    01/09/2022 01:54 pm
    Debbie Kelly writes,
    Met Harvey thru the Telephone Pioneers and worked on many of our projects with him and his wife. He was such a wonderful, thoughtful person and will be missed by all of us!
    01/09/2022 04:01 pm
    Claudia & Chip Brady writes,
    Chip & Patti, So sorry to hear of the passing of Chip's father. You are in our thoughts at this time. Many years have passed. Hope you two are safe and well. Claudia
    01/09/2022 05:29 pm
    Peter Kopf lit a candle and writes,
    Chip and family So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I knew your Dad and Mom from politics for many years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Please let me know when the Celebration of Life will be held.
    01/11/2022 10:57 pm
    Sally Barr writes,
    Sue So sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs to you and your family Sally and Bob Barr
    01/13/2022 12:06 pm
    Anita Sterling writes,
    Sue and Chip: We are so sorry to learn about your Dad's passing. He was a great guy and we enjoyed knowing him for the 37 years we lived in Claymont and Delaware. We enjoyed his friendliness and humor. He gave a lot to the community. A really good person. Please accept our condolences. Anita & Jim Sterling
    01/18/2022 08:08 am
    Susan E Joseph writes,
    Both your Mom and Dad were such wonderful people. We worked on a lot of telephone pioneer projects together (playground maps, electronic maps, going to the Sterck School to join the kids playing games, having a meal together and lots of hugs and giving dictionaries out to elementary school children along with another good friend Russ Wainwright. How many Saturday nights we spent at Mr. Pasta where our children and grandchildren would join us. Above all always feeling welcomed at their home. My family and I are so very sorry.
    01/21/2022 05:06 pm
    Mike Lynch writes,
    Harvey was a great neighbor and better person. I am a better person for knowing him.
    01/23/2022 04:28 pm

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