It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mark "Woody" Woods, SFC(R). Mark died peacefully in his sleep at 80 years old, in Newburgh, NY.

Born in Bronxville, NY, on August 12, 1943 to Raymond and Agnes Woods, Mark grew up in Manhattan with his many brothers and sisters.

Mark joined the US Army in 1960 and served tours of duty in both Korea and New York. He was honorably discharged in 1963 upon completion of his military service.

When he moved back to Manhattan, NY, in 1965, Mark met and married the love of his life, Marie Monaco (Woods). Theirs was a love story for the ages, as his love for her and hers for him only grew exponentially through the years. Mark held a variety of jobs of interest, before he eventually settled in Brooklyn, NY as the Shop Steward of Teamsters Local 707.

In 1987, he re-joined the military full time as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of logistics and supply for the New York Army National Guard. His service continued with various units including New York's own "Fighting Irish", 69thInfantry. Mark retired from Military Service in 2002.

Never one to let the grass grow beneath his feet, upon retirement from the Military, Mark applied to the Culinary Institute of America. He graduated in 2004, and became Marie's personal Chef. His appreciation for the care and love in preparation of food was evident to whomever he shared a meal with. His understanding of the relationship between the Chef and how the food was prepared was a topic he loved to discuss.

Living along the Hudson, Mark developed a love for the river and the maritime traffic that continually flowed past his Newburgh residence. Always studying the sea, one of the highlights of Mark's life was a trip he took on the US Coast Guard "Barque" Eagle from its port in New London, CT, to and through the Panama Canal, to bury at sea his lifelong mentor and Uncle, Rear Admiral (R) Richard O. Patterson.

Knowing the tugboats on the Hudson River by name, "Woody" was a common voice on the maritime radio channel as he spoke to and began photographing the various vessels and would always make sure that the photos made it to the ships pilots who crossed his path. A gregarious personality

Mark loved "making his rounds" while visiting friends at West Point, around Newburgh and keeping touch with those no longer in the area.

Mark is survived by his wife Marie Woods (Monaco). His daughter, Maria Kansy, and her children Delaney, Gregory, and Ryan. His son, Mark Woods, Jr. (Jeanne), and his children Raymond and Margaret. His siblings, Joan Sumner, Victoria Garcia, Gregory Woods and Mary Barone.

Mark was predeceased by his brother Brian Woods and sister Pamela Woods.

A lifelong member of the American Legion Post 1796, Mark was the recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, the Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, the Army Good Conduct Medal (2ndAward), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Services Reserve Medal (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Excellence in Competition Badge, M16 Expert badge, and Pistol Expert Badge.

Always with a joke, a twinkle in his eye and his signature saying "Everyday above ground is marvelous", Mark lived life as he wanted and enjoyed his paradise on the Hudson River, savoring the view with his beloved Marie.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.