John J. "Buster" Woods, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, died on Wednesday, November 22, 2006, surrounded by his family at his home in Charlestown, following a very long courageous battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.
Buster was born in Boston on October 4, 1936. He grew up in Charlestown, where he attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1954. He was a loyal member of the "Crusaders". He began working as a longshoreman on the Boston Waterfront in 1953 at the age of 15. He was a dedicated member of The International Longshoreman's Union Local # 799 for 46 years. During his membership of Local # 799, he was Business Agent from 1986 thru 1996. He retired in 1999. He was also a member of The Halligan Club of Charlestown. Buster was a devoted member of his union and a loving husband and father of his family. He also enjoyed the many times he was able to spend with his family and friends at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.
Buster is the beloved husband of 51 years to Loretta A. (Orpen) Woods. He is the devoted father of Laurie Murphy and husband John of Medford, Jackie Woods and wife Betsy of Beverly, Gayle Wilkins and husband Joe of Charlestown and Kerry Sullivan and husband Danny of Charlestown. Loving Grandpa of John and Lauren Murphy, Michael, Corinne and Nicole Woods, Joseph and Brittany Wilkins and the late John J. Woods lll. Son of the late Rose (Gow) and John E. Woods. Brother of Richard "Pooky" Woods and wife Sally of Charlestown, Roger "Pee Wee' Woods and wife Janet of Charlestown, Mary Griffin and husband Paul of Charlestown, Janet "Twinkle" Sullivan and husband Pat of Charlestown and Susan Deoliveiras and husband Jaider of Winthrop. Son-in-law of Irene Hamilton of Tewksbury. Brother-in-law of Joan Joyce and husband Jay of Tewksbury, Irene "Bunny" Fratalia and husband Vinny of Tewksbury. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Buster's Funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2006, at 9 a.m. from the Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown, followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren Street, Charlestown, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours for Buster will be held on Monday, November 27, 2006, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make memorial donations in Buster's name to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1 Bulfinch Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114.