Obituary of Charles Woods

Charles “Bud” Woods, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor, was born in Scranton, PA on December 31, 1925. Ninety-nine years later, on New Year's Eve 2024, he celebrated his 99th birthday at a party with four generations of the family he loved so much. The next day, January 1, 2025, he passed away at home in Morris Plains, NJ. Bud’s life was a testament to the love and protection of family and country.

He proudly served from 1943 to 1946 in the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate on the aircraft carrier USS WASP (CV-18). He saw action throughout the Pacific Theater during WWII. Upon his return to the United States, he met and married the love of his life, Christine Gloria Evans (Chris). Together, they had two sons, Thomas John and David Charles, who brought immense pride and joy to their lives.

Bud loved construction and made a career of it. As a heavy construction superintendent, Bud specialized in bridge building and concrete emplacement. One of his last positions was construction supervisor of the Route 287 bridge in Oakland, NJ. He was a member of the Carpenter's Union, as was his father and grandfather before him. His son David and grandson Charles Kyle Woods followed him in the Union as part of a five-generation Woods legacy.

He and his son Tom were active participants in the U.S. Navy League during his post-service years. They were also long-time 4th-degree members of the Knights of Columbus Council 3801 in Pompton Lakes, NJ. They enjoyed many K-of-C conventions in Wildwood, along with active support of that organization's charitable works.

In his personal life, Bud was a sports fan who loved the New York Rangers and the New York Giants.  He also loved his newspapers and lottery tickets. And Bud was an usher at St. Virgil's for many years. 

Bud was cherished for his sense of humor, infectious laughter, and his ability to connect with people. He had a gentle, endearing softness when it came to his family—always a pillar of warmth, love, and support. His love extended to animals as well, and he most recently shared a special bond with his dog, Molly, who brought him joy and companionship in his later years. Whether spending quiet moments at home with Chris and Molly or enjoying the company of his loved ones, Bud’s heart was always open, and his home was a place of comfort and care for both family and animals alike.

Bud is survived by his loving wife, Chris, with whom he shared a remarkable 75-year marriage; his two sons and their wives, Tom and Kathy Woods, and Dave and Beth Woods; his daughter-in-law Maureen Hayes, his grandchildren and their spouses, Charlie Woods (and wife Nicki Woods), Christopher Woods, Ellen Woods (and husband Dan Halperin), and Jessie Woods Summers (and husband Alec Summers); and his great-grandchildren, Willy and Rory Woods, and Sam Summers. He is also survived by a host of extended family, dear friends, and neighbors.

Details for the celebrations of Bud’s life can be found at https://danglerfuneralhomes.com/tribute/details/4254/Charles-Woods/obituary.html#tribute-start. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to either the Wounded Warriors Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/) or St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center (https://www.sthuberts.org/donate).

Bud’s legacy of love, patriotism, charity, and commitment will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.