Northbridge – With profound sadness we announce the passing of Kenneth Carson Woodworth (Woody), 71 of Northbridge on March 13th, 2023, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Lung and Brain Cancer.
He was a devoted husband of Susan (Palmquist) Woodworth for 37 years, cherished father to his daughters Lindsay, Erin and her Fiancé Rich Chimera, a guardian and best friend to his grandson Michael Walls. He was a trusted sidekick to his spirited papillon pup Zoey.
Ken was born in Marlboro, Ma. to Gloria (Boule) and the late Carson L. Woodworth Jr and the 2nd born of seven siblings.
In addition to his wife, daughters, son in-law and grandson he is survived by his sisters, Kathy Lovelace and her husband David, Gail D’Amato and her husband Anthony, Cheryl Henderson and her husband Richard, his brothers Stephen Woodworth and his wife Lori, and Michael Woodworth and Holly. He is predeceased by his oldest sister Charlene Porter and survived by her husband James. Godchildren Jordyn Rose and Brandon and many nieces and nephews.
In Woody’s younger years he enjoyed Erector sets, Lionel Trains, race car tracks, building model cars, go-carts or tinkering with small engines with his father. When the weather was nice, you’d find Woody playing baseball, as he was always ready for a day at the ballpark or maybe a game of billiards at “Bibbies”. One of Woody’s most cherished pastimes was the family’s Labor Day celebrations followed by the best BBQ you can imagine.
Ken graduated from Marlboro Vocational High School and New England Institute of Technology (NEIT). He had a long career within High Tech at Prime Computers and EMC Inc. where he retired. During his career he was a mentor to many and fostered teamwork, it was said he made work enjoyable.
Susan had a crush on Kenny since she was 14, their first date wasn’t until she was 28. That one date was all it took and turned into 40 years together as they soon married and became a family. He had a love for being on the water at Fort Meadows, especially in the boats he restored, fishing, water skiing or tubing with family and friends. If not on the water, you could find him in the garden with Susan. He looked forward to his vacations in Cancun Mexico where he snorkeled with his daughter Erin. Playing a competitive game of cards with his family was a common occurrence and he was always up for the challenge. Kenny was the life of the party, whether it was with coworkers, friends, or family, and naturally loved to make people laugh with his sarcastic and silly humor. His Niece Katie remembers him fondly by “oh that laugh of his”.
A “Jack of All Trades” most would say, he was able to build or fix almost anything, just like his father. He loved spending time with Rich, his soon to be son-in-law, teaching him carpentry and how to repair cars with the hopes of making him the next “Jack”.
An affectionate and witty man who demonstrated kindness to all. His memory will be held forever in our hearts.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough, MA 01752. A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 11:00AM at Maplewood Cemetery, 298 Pleasant St, Marlborough, MA.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in Kenny’s memory to St. Jude
Online: Donate now to St. Jude and help kids fighting cancer – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) Mail to: ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105
