Richard S. Woodman, 97, of Waterville, NY passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at the Harding Nursing Home. Mr. Woodman was born June 29, 1913 in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Charles E. and Agnes Garner Woodman. He graduated from Tenafly High School (NJ), received his B.A. from St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD in 1935 and his Juris Doctorate from the New York Law School in 1938.
On April 20, 1940, Richard married Mildred L. “Billie” Bartlett in Haverhill, MA. She predeceased him on January 17, 2004. In 1943, Richard joined the U.S. Army where he served as an Officer in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and in the Judge Advocate General’s Department during World War II.
Mr. Woodman was well known throughout Central New York for his 73 years as a practicing attorney, his business leadership and his dedication to community service. He touched the lives of many people and he will be fondly remembered as a true gentleman and a consummate country attorney, always well dressed and always polite.
In 1938 Mr. Woodman joined the law firm of Wing & Wing in New York City. In 1942, he moved to Waterville where he practiced law through May, 2011, first with Attorney Harold Fuess, and later with William Getman. Mr. Woodman was a Member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association; and the Oneida County Bar Association, where he served as President in 1987. He also served the New York Bar Association as a representative to the House of Delegates, a member of the Probate,Trust & Estate Committee, and Fellow of the New York State Bar Foundation. In addition, Mr. Woodman was the Attorney for the Town of Sangerfield and the Waterville Central School District. In January, 2010, Mr. Woodman’s professionalism was honored with a cover photo and feature article in the New York State Bar Association’s magazine, “Senior Lawyer.”
During his career, Mr. Woodman served on the Boards of Directors for several prominent businesses, including the Oneida National Bank, Norstar Bank of Upstate NY, the National Bank of Waterville, the Waterville Savings & Loan Association, and the Central New York Abstract Company, where he was also President.
In addition to his professional and business leadership, Mr. Woodman’s life was distinguished by his commitment to community service. He was Co-Trustee of the Edward S. Barton Fund, Treasurer of the George W. Tower Foundation, President of the Waterville Rotary Club, and recipient of Roses for the Living Awards from both the Waterville and New Hartford Rotary Clubs. He also was active in the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Socially, Mr. Woodman was an active member of the Fort Schuyler Club in Utica, where he enjoyed lunch with his friends almost every day.
Mr. Woodman is survived by two daughters: Odiorne W. Beebe of Great Falls, VA, Jill B. W. Sisson, and son-in-law, Gary R. Sisson, of Morrison, CO.; two granddaughters: Kristin Adkins and Brooke Woody; and four great grandchildren: Sage and Cadell Adkins, Owen and Keira Woody. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert G., and John Woodman (an infant), and son-in-law, Stephen G. Beebe.
Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Grace Episcopal Church, 201 East Main St., Waterville, where Mr. Woodman was a long-time member. Internment will be at Waterville Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Community Memorial Hospital, 150 Broad St., Hamilton, NY 13346.

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