Arthur Henry Woodard, Jr.

Celebrating the Life of

Arthur Henry Woodard, Jr.

Arthur H. Woodard, Jr., 70, of Middletown, Connecticut, beloved husband to Diane (Jeffery) Woodard, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at Hartford Hospital from complications after heart surgery. 

Art was born on August 23, 1950, in Savannah, Georgia, and was the eldest son of the late Arthur and Frances (Mack) Woodard.  He graduated from Hopkins School, New Haven, CT in 1968, earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1972 and earned his Master's in   Social Work from the University of Connecticut in 1984.

Art was a nationally recognized and respected leader in the recovery field, focusing on inclusion, connection, humility, and helping anyone experiencing "problems in living." He created and delivered many educational experiences, coached, and mentored other helpers, and provided direct counsel whenever needed. He had the extraordinary ability to turn his own life experiences into healing for himself and thousands of others as he sought to share his wisdom and build bridges between people through their minds and hearts.  Art loved his work as a Master Trainer of recovery coaches for the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR).

 He has been described by those he worked with as masterful, articulate, creative, humble, and relentlessly compassionate, setting him apart from the crowd. Indeed, his tender influence on thousands of individuals’ lives will positively impact the recovery community for generations to come. In 1996, Art teamed up with Jim Wuelfing to develop an interactive training entitled “Racism of the Well-Intended: Examining Privilege and Power”. His program has been delivered hundreds of times across the country, supporting conversations and action planning to live more in the solution and less in the problem when addressing personal and systemic racism.  Art was a beacon of light in a troubled world. 

Those who have had the privilege of interacting with Art appreciated his compassion to help others. He was well-loved, a blessing and inspiration to all who encountered him.  He filled moments in his life dedicated to his grandchildren by going to their sporting events and other activities.  As an avid lover of sports, Art enjoyed watching the New York Yankees, Giants, and the Knicks.  Art will be deeply missed by all that knew him. 

Along with his loving and supportive wife, Diane, he leaves to cherish his memories; children, David A. (Olga) Weston, Jr. of Cromwell, CT, and Dean J. Weston of Middletown, CT.  Three sisters; Evelyn Woodard Bronson, Katherine (Daniel) Sono, and Cynthia Murray of New Haven, CT. Three brothers; Marvin Woodard, Freddy Woodard of New Haven, and Kevin (Raquel) Woodard of Florida.  Grandchildren who will lovingly remember him; Bria J. Weston of Brooklyn, New York, Eliza R. Weston, and David A. Weston, III both of Cromwell, CT; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Alberta Scruggs of Middletown, CT; his brother-in-law, Gerald A. Brown, and sister-in-law, Carrie Bradley of Moreno Valley, California. His goddaughter, Britney Bostick-Pagán, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Arthur had many special people who held a special place in his heart, Dr. Steven Brown, Michael Brown, Jim Wuelfing, and Phil Valentine.  

Besides his parents, Art was predeceased by his brother, Alvin Woodard.  His two brothers-in-law; Harrison Murray, Jr., and Deacon James Bronson. 

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown, CT. Burial will be private and at the family’s convenience.

The family asks that masks and social distancing be adhered to during the calling hours. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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