Clarkstown Councilman Dies At 54

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Mark Woods, a member of the Clarkstown Town Council in his first term, has died, Town Supervisor George Hoehmann announced Friday.

Woods, 54, was a former US Army major, and former INS Special Agent who retired as a detective in the New York Police Department. Past Deputy Director of Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, he was employed by BRiDGES as the Director of Veterans Services.

When he ran for office last fall, he told Patch: "There's a sign hanging in the NYPD gym, which says 'Integrity is who you are when nobody else is watching.' I ran laps around that sign every day, and I still think of it today."

Hoehmann said in his statement:

"It is with deep sadness that I announce the unexpected passing of Town of Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods from an apparent heart attack at the age of 54. Councilman Woods was elected just this past November to represent Ward 1. He was a decorated retired NYPD Detective and Combat Army Veteran who served in Afghanistan. A graduate of the Citadel, from an early age Mark chose service to others as his life's calling. Beyond his town government position, Councilman Woods was also currently serving as Director of The Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Services at Bridges, a non-profit in Rockland County. The entire Town of Clarkstown mourns Councilman Woods and offers prayers and deepest sympathies to his wife Jeanne, son Ray, daughter Maggie, his mother, family and friends.

The flags at Town Hall, all Town buildings, and parks have been ordered to half-staff. A small memorial, with a condolence book, has been set up in the Town Hall Auditorium and will be open during normal business hours starting Monday, May 20th for those who wish to pay respects to Councilman Woods. Service arrangements will be forthcoming and announced some time next week.

The family is requesting privacy at this time. Please respect that and refer any questions to the Town of Clarkstown Supervisor's Office."