Joseph James Woods

Dr. Joseph J. Woods, 82, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026, surrounded by the loving presence of his family.

Born on June 21, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, Joe was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Black) Woods. The eldest of three brothers, he is survived by Mark (Michele) Woods of Maple Shade, New Jersey, and John (Phil) Woods of Lambertville, New Jersey. After earning a degree in Biology from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, he completed a six-year doctoral program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1970, Joe and his wife Gerry moved to Cheshire, where he joined the Quinnipiac University community. He advanced from Assistant Professor to Professor of Biology and later served as Dean of the School of Allied Health and Natural Sciences, retiring in 2022 after 51 years of dedicated service. Joe took great pride in his contributions to the Cheshire community, where each holiday season he brought joy by dressing as Santa Claus and sharing his warmth and enthusiasm at local gatherings.

Joe shared 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Geraldine “Gerry” (McGettigan) Woods, celebrating their anniversary on June 15, 2025. He was the devoted father of Christopher (Susan) Woods of Warwick, Rhode Island, Alisa (David) Brissette of Branford, and Michael Woods of Wallingford. He was the cherished grandfather of Matthew Woods, Jillian Woods, Madeline Brissette, Mark Woods, Eden Woods, and Nora Woods.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Wallingford Senior Center, Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus, and Gaylord Specialty Healthcare for their compassionate care.