Obituary of Joseph M. Woody

Joseph M. Woody went into the arms of Jesus April 17, 2021 at age 81 with his loving wife by his side.  He was born October 20, 1939 on the family farm in Iowa, one of seven children.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joanie; daughters Debra Wyspianski and Dana (Bruce) Gianniny; grandson John (Laura) Dancer; three great-grandchildren, Ben, Joey and Vivienne; siblings, Kay Disch, Jerry (Linda) Woody, Jan Short, Raymond Woody, and Irma Woody; nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his oldest brother, Bill.

Joe received a Naval ROTC scholarship to attend Iowa State University where he earned a degree in mathematics.  After graduation Joe served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.  He then worked at Kodak in Rochester, NY as a computer programmer.  After 25 years with Kodak, he started a successful finance and tax business.  Upon retiring he was able to spend time pursuing wildlife photography which brought him great joy.  He will be remembered especially for his photos of loons at Lake Ozonia in the Adirondacks.  Patiently spending time in his red kayak photographing God’s creation was a favorite part of his day.  Joe also made trips to Africa, different locations in the United States and Canada to capture amazing photos of animals and stunning landscapes.  He was a longtime News 8 Photo of the Day contributor.  Joe was also an avid water skier for decades and loved skiing a slalom course at Lake Ozonia, which he accomplished successfully through his mid-70s.

Joe will be remembered as a man of deep faith, love of family and friends, and his generosity.  Yearly reunions with extended family were enjoyed in different parts of the U.S. including their family home in Webster and their camp at Lake Ozonia.  Attending swim meets and sporting events of his daughters from grade school through adulthood was an important part of Joe’s life.

Joe was a member of Browncroft Community Church where he served as a teacher, elder, and board member of the Bethany Children’s Home in the Philippines.  He had a deep love for missions and supported many Christian missionaries worldwide.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Browncroft Community Church on Saturday, May 1 at 2:00 pm.  Selections of Joe’s nature photography will be on display in the church foyer.  The service will also be livestreamed at https://browncroft.online.church.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Missions Fund at Browncroft Community Church, 2530 Browncroft Boulevard, Rochester, NY  14625. 

Joe’s family is incredibly grateful for the loving, compassionate care provided by the private home care team of Don and Staria Howard as well as the U of R Hospice Home Care.