John Andrew Woodward, 74, Ogdensburg

OGDENSBURG - John Andrew Woodward, age 74, of Ogdensburg, NY, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at Howie’s, 809 New York Avenue, Ogdensburg from 12:00PM to 4:00PM on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.
John is survived by his children, Timothy Woodward and his wife, Cheri, of Ogdensburg, NY, Anthony Woodward of Florida, Sara McIntosh of Ogdensburg, NY, and Rebecca Sheffield and her husband, James, of Watertown, NY; seventeen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; longtime companion, Pamela Woodward of Ogdensburg, NY; siblings, Wayne Woodward and his wife, Roberta, of Florida, and Andy Woodward of Florida; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. John is predeceased by a brother, Ronald Woodward.
John was born on August 15, 1949, in Ogdensburg, NY, the son of the late Robert A. and Elizabeth I. (Recore) Woodward. He graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1967. John married Theresa Jean Robillard on June 21, 1980, at St. Mary’s Cathedral with the Rev. Thomas Robillard officiating. That marriage later ended in divorce.
John later married Pamela Meyer on December 22, 2003 in Macomb with Rev. James Warrington officiating. That marriage also ended in divorce but the couple remained close friends over the years. John was a self-employed woodsman.
John, a true embodiment of the hippie spirit, born with an artistic soul and an untamed heart. John dedicated his life to creativity, music, and the pursuit of freedom. An adept guitarist, he found pure joy in strumming his guitar, often losing himself in the melodies that flowed from his fingertips. The bond in particular he shared with his son, Tim, was profoundly deepened through their musical connection.
Together, they created harmonies that resonated not only in their hearts but also in the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness their performances. John loved all of his family near and far.
A true wild man at heart, John embraced the hippie ethos in every aspect of his life. His greatest physical testament to this was the legendary Hippie Dome in Macomb, a structure he built with his own hands.
The dome became a sanctuary of creativity and community, a place where free spirits gathered to share stories, music, and love.
John was also a gifted writer, using his pen to capture the beauty and chaos of life. His words painted vivid pictures of his experiences, philosophies, and dreams, leaving a lasting impact on those who read them.
His spirit will forever echo in the chords of a guitar, the pages of a book, and the memories of those who knew and loved him.
Donations may be made in John’s memory to the Seaway Valley, Prevention Council, 206 Ford St Suite 301, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.
Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.