Mr. Michael J. Woods, 70, of N. Utica, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford. Michael was born in Utica on March 31, 1943 the son of William and Mary (Franz) Woods. He was raised in Utica, attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school, was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and earned his bachelor's degree in Philosophy from St. Michael's College in Toronto, Canada. Michael proudly served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he served as a Russian interpreter. On August 9, 1969, Michael married M. Diane Cummings, a loving union of 19 years until Diane's death in 1988. On April 1, 1992, Michael married Debbie L. Dufresne in Utica. For many years, Michael was employed as an editorial writer and columnist with the Utica Observer Dispatch retiring in 1993. After retirement, he went to work with the Neighborhood Center in Utica where he dedicated 15 years to the organization. Michael was a member of Knights of Columbus Utica council 189 and a parishioner of St. Mark's Church in N. Utica. In his younger years, he was an avid runner having run the Boilermaker as well as various other marathons. Mr. Woods is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Dufresne; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael J., II and Ivelisse Woods of Albany, NY; a cherished granddaughter, Elena Woods of Albany; one brother, Donald Woods of Alabama; niece, Kristin Woods of Alabama; a sister-in-law, Dottie Woods of South Carolina; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Helen Cummings of Utica and a niece and nephew, Diane Fuller and Billy Cummings. He was predeceased by a brother, John Woods. Mr. Woods' funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Church, 440 Keyes Rd., N. Utica where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Funeral Mass. Rite of Committal and burial, in St. Mary's Cemetery in Clinton, will held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Those wishing to make a donation in Michael's name, please consider Spring Farm CARES, 3364 Route 12 Clinton, NY 13323. Mr. Woods' family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff on the sixth floor at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare and the staff of Hospice and palliative care, Inc., for the wonderful care you provided to Michael. A special thank you to Marie Russo, Former director of the neighborhood center and the many family members, friends and neighbors for the compassion and support you have shown to Michael and our entire family. Your kindness will not be forgotten. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., N. Utica.