Support Mark Woods' Legacy of Service

My brother-in-law, Mark Woods, was incredible. Everyone who knew him would have to agree. Any help you are able to give will allow us all to say goodbye to him in the way he deserves.

The following is his obituary in the local paper.

Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods, retired NYPD and combat veteran, has died at 54

Rockland Journal News

Mark Woods, a member of the Clarkstown Town Board and director of peer veteran services at the nonprofit BRIDGES, died Friday, May 17, at age 54.

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann announced Woods' death, from an apparent heart attack. Hoehmann saluted Woods' service to community, including his long and distinguished record in law enforcement and in the military. Woods continued to support fellow veterans through his work with the nonprofit BRIDGES.

Woods represented Ward 1, which encompasses the northwest portion of Clarkstown. The Republican from New City won election last year.

The flags at Clarkstown Town Hall, all town buildings, and parks have been ordered to half-staff. A small memorial, with a condolence book, are set up in Clarkstown Town Hall's auditorium, which will be open during business hours starting Monday, May 20, for those who wish to pay respects to Woods.

A Record of Service

A U.S. Army combat veteran, Woods was a retired NYPD detective; he worked with the Joint Terrorism Taskforce and on combatting human trafficking. He had previously worked as an Immigration and Naturalization Service special agent and was a licensed funeral director.

Woods served as director of the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer support program at BRIDGES, Rockland County’s independent living center.

“Known for his dedication to his family and friends, and his contributions to his country, his community, his coworkers, and to all the veterans he served, Mark was a beacon of light and hope, touching lives through his compassion and dedication to his fellow man," said BRIDGES Executive Director Carlos Martinez. "Mark’s memory will be a guiding star for all who knew him.”

Mark Woods, right, a New City veteran who was elected as a Clarkstown Town Council member, was named Rockland County's 2024 Veteran of the Year. He is congratulated by Rockand Deputy County Executive Mike Hoblin, left, after the awards ceremony in November 2023.

Woods was Rockland County’s 2024 Veteran of the Year. He had previously served as Veterans Service Officer with the county.

"Exemplary service: two words that describe Mark Woods and the way he lived his life," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day in a statement Friday.

'An example for all of us to follow'

As a veterans service officer, Day said, Woods helped other vets claim benefits, advocated for their needs and sometimes was just there to be a support. "Mark cared deeply for his community and while he was taken from us much too soon his impact on Rockland County and his lifetime of service will not be forgotten."

Woods was a larger-than-life figure who always put his community and his country above all else, said U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican who represents Rockland, Putnam and parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties.

"His lifetime of service, especially to our veterans, is an example for all of us to follow," Lawler said. "I am praying for his family and friends as they grieve a tremendous loss for our greater Clarkstown and Rockland County community.”

Woods is survived by his spouse, Jeanne, and their children; his mother, Marie Woods; sister, Maria Kansy, and the rest of his extended family.

He was predeceased by his father, Mark Woody Woods, who died in November 2023.

Service arrangements will be forthcoming and announced next week, according to Clarkstown officials.