HARPSWELL — John Pierpont Woods passed away peacefully at his home on Neils Point Rd on May 23, 2012.
He was 94 years old and lived each of those years with energy, curiosity and enthusiasm.
The son of Arthur Woods and Helen (Morgan) Woods Burgess, John was born in New York City on February 6, 1918. He was in the fifth graduating class of Brooks School and received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University.
John had a distinguished military career in the Naval Air Force and received a Distinguished Flying Cross for "heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight". As a civilian, he flew for American Airlines and served as an elected representative to the Connecticut General Assembly. His longest and last employment was with the National Business Aircraft Association as Operations and Air Traffic Control Director.
Upon his retirement in 1980, he bought a blue school bus, loaded all his possesions and his dog in it, and set out for Costa Rica, where he lived for seven years. When he returned to the United States he bought a house in Harpswell, ME where he happily spent the rest of his days.
During his retirement years, John became an avid runner and competed in many marathons. He later became a master swimmer and set world records into his 90’s. He spoke Spanish, French, German and Chinese fluently, played the guitar, and took great pleasure in taking young atheletes under is wing.
He leaves four daughters, Julie and her husband David McCarthy of Stockbridge, MA, Josephine Woods of Crownsville, MD, Elizabeth and her husband Joe Blackmon of Stevensville, MD, and Mary Cannon of Salisbury, MD, as well as seven much loved grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition, he leaves his devoted friend and caretaker Christina Reynolds and his neighbor Dick Parks who visited every day.
There will be a celebration of John’s life at the Captain Daniel Stone Inn on June 16 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to People Plus, 35 Union Street, Brunswick, ME 04011 or to the Bowdoin International Music Festival, 6300 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011. Arrangements are under the care of Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick, ME. Condolences can be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
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