Maurice J. Woods

Maurice J. Woods, 90, passed away on September 19, 2026. He was the loving husband of the late Muriel (Tracy) Woods. Born in Newtownards, he grew up in Bangor, Northern Ireland at the mouth of the Belfast Lough. He and his family lived on the Queens Parade where he dove at Pickie Pool, swam and boated in the Lough, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the seaside resort even during WWII. After WWII, he attended St. Colman’s College at Violet Hill in Newry where handball, Gaelic football, and singing were a welcome counterpoint to the school’s harsh discipline.

His family emigrated to the United States in 1954 and he took up work in Greyhound Kennels in Massachusetts and Florida, the U.S. Air Force in Wyoming, and then with Necco, and the Nissen Baking Company in the Boston area.

He married Muriel J. Tracy in 1959. In 1963 he entered the insurance business and continued to work in insurance and annuities sales through his career, into his eighties, serving clients in Massachusetts and beyond with determination and care. His lifelong passions include his catholic faith, his family, handball, music, and friends and he navigated a varied life with his unique character, confidence, and good heartedness. He would drop everything to help his family, and always had words of strength and a good laugh to bolster people. He donated generously to numerous charities.

He is survived by his Grandchildren Lisa Woods, Jessica Woods, Patrick Woods and Ariel Woods, Great grandchildren Bailey Manock, Isabella Fanning, Damien Woods, his sister Maura Wagland, his sons Alan Woods and Brian Woods, and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Deborah (Woods) Stevens.

He will be greatly missed but his strong spirit and good humor will remain with family and friends. His services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html. Online condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com.