Mathew Woods

Captain Mathew Woods passed away at the age of 82 on Saturday, May 27, 2017.

Mat, or “Woody” as his friends called him, was born to William Woods and Elizabeth Menten, on March 31, 1935, in Bronx New York.

Woody started his United States Coast Guard career in 1953 by enlisting as an Aviation Machinist Mate and rose to the rank of Captain, a feat he was very proud of.

He married Lorraine Woods in 1956, and they happily lived the military life, moving from town to town, making new and lasting friendships along the way. In 1983, they settled down in Jacksonville, Florida, as he took his last assignment in the U.S. Coast Guard as Captain of the Port. Woody retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as Captain in 1987, after 34 years of dedicated service to our country.

Some of his numerous decorations from his U.S. Coast Guard service include the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, 2 Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbons with “O” Device, Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon, Coast Guard Commendation Medal and 2 Meritorious Service Medals with “O” Device.

Following his retirement from the Coast Guard, Woody remained in the area and was a permanent fixture in the maritime community. Using his vast knowledge of the maritime industry, he began his own business as a Marine Surveyor, providing vessels with SOPAP manuals and contingency plans.

An avid golfer, bowler, dancer and beloved member of the American Legion, he enjoyed spending his time outdoors gardening. He also loved to listen to country music and share stories of his many years in the service, and all the wonderful memories made throughout his lengthy and honorable career.

He is survived by his five children: Dan Woods, Ken Woods, John Woods, Sherrill Woconish and Kathleen Rivera. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members.

Mat was predeceased by Lorraine Woods, his loving wife of 55 years and daughter Mickey.

There will be a viewing at Fort Caroline Christian Church at 1:00pm on Friday, June 9th, with a funeral service at 3 pm. After the service, a celebration of life will be following at his home in Colony Cove. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and American Cancer Society.

The family requests active and retired members to wear their uniforms to the funeral service.