George B. “Woodie” Woodward Jr.

Former Tamaqua Police Chief George B. “Woodie” Woodward, Jr., 76 years of age of Hunter Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital East Norwegian Street Pottsville with his wife of 56 years, Janice A, (Jaso) Woodward and surrounded by his family.

Born Friday, November 21, 1947 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of the late George B., and Mary M. (Hanlon) Woodward. George was also predeceased by; his infant daughters, Donna, and Diana; sister, Maryellen (Woodward) Jurick.

Surviving are; daughter, Kimberly A. Woodward of Tamaqua; sons, George B. Woodward, III and his wife Jennifer of Pottsville, Kyle J. Woodward and his companion Maya Kowalcyk of Jim Thorpe; sister, Carol Reigel, wife of Daniel of Tamaqua; grandchildren, Evan, Gavin, Tristan, Logan, Zoe, and Nora. Nieces and nephews also survive George.

A Tamaqua High School graduate, George served honorably in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War in the Military Police. George’s tenure as a Tamaqua Police officer spanned 32 years, rising through the ranks earning the position as Criminal Investigator before serving as Police Chief for 5 years. In retirement George worked as a police officer for Walker, and Schuylkill Townships. An avid outdoorsman, George enjoyed hunting and fishing. George was a Knee-Hi football coach for the Eagles as his boys played youth football. He was a member of the Tamaqua American Legion, FOP, and Keystone Club in Tamaqua. An avid supporter of Tamaqua High School sports, George enjoyed following the Penn State Nittany Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles. Summers at the Bungalow, and long walks throughout the town holding Janice’s hand were a daily routine for George. During his walks George continued to keep a watchful eye on the community he protected for many years, and would stop at Depot Park to give the community bell a ring. George was a member of St. John XXIII R.C.C.,

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

Friends and the community can pay their respects on May 14th from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

A Celebration of George’s Life will be held on Tuesday evening May 14, 2024 at 7 o’clock P.M. from the funeral home with Military Honors bestowed.

Memorials in George’s name to:
Kellner’s Dam Association

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com