C. Donald Woodman, Jr.

Newfield, NY

C. Donald “Don” Woodman, Jr., age 84, departed this earth, unexpectedly, on July 5, 2017 in the Emergency Room at Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY.

Don was born in Massachusetts to Nellie A. and C. Donald Woodman, Sr.

Don held a BS from the University of Maine at Orono and then went on to receive his MA in Television & Radio Broadcasting from Syracuse University.  Don began his career as a Reporter and Television News Host.  He advanced and became a Director and Producer at television stations in Boston, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut.

In 1967 he accepted a teaching position at Ithaca College in the School of Communications.  He was Associate Professor and former Chair in the Television Radio Department.  During his tenure at Ithaca College Don also chaired various other Councils over the years.  Don was passionate about teaching and taught courses in television and radio broadcasting at Ithaca College from 1967 to 1986.  He continued to teach until his retirement which came suddenly due to a head injury suffered at the end of 1985.  Even after retiring, Don would speak with joy about thousands of his students that were employed in all aspects of television and radio media. He was very proud of every one of their achievements, and remembered their names and followed their careers.

Don was a true pioneer in broadcast history. He was one of the first and best to edit video tape by splicing.  He was also at the forefront of paid television.  In 1962, he and two colleagues, launched the first pay-per-view movie channel in the greater Hartford, Connecticut area.

Several years after his retirement, Don pursued a second career with NASCAR as a photographer.  Later he was thrilled when he and his eldest son were added to the pit crew of professional NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine.

When he was diagnosed with his first bout of cancer, Don pursued a hobby in computer science and technology at the age of 69.  His fascination with computers led him to build PCs for friends and family and he would happily troubleshoot PCs for those who needed it.

Don served on numerous Advisory Boards at Ithaca College and numerous Boards of Directors within the Tompkins County area, including community centers, civic associations and fund raising committees such as Southside Community Center and Offender Aid and Restoration.

Don’s true passion in life was to help people.  He was a mentor, a sponsor and a friend to many.  Don spent 42 years in sobriety that he attributed to Alcoholics Anonymous where he gave and received guidance and spiritual mentorship.  Don was an inspiration to his family and friends.

Don had a love for music and dance and truly enjoyed dancing especially with the love of his life, his wife, Gundy.

Don was predeceased by his sons C. Daniel Woodman and C. David Woodman.

Don is survived by his wife Gundula “Gundy” Lee, his brother Douglas A. (Thea) Woodman, his children; C. Donald (Barbara) Woodman III, Deborah (Daniel) Dauner, Diane Woodman, Donna (Everett) Sebastian, Chris Woodman, step-children Kirsten (Jeremy) Miller and Justin (Meegan) Lee.  Don also leaves behind grandchildren; Bethany & Jeremy Woodman, Dia’Mond Woodman, Dakoda Dauner, Dustin Dauner & Durand (Katherine) Dauner, Arielle, Aleena, Garrette, John Michael, Courtenay and his close friend and grandson, Max Miller.  He is also survived by two great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces & nephews and friends.  Don is also survived by the extensive AA community in Ithaca and Tompkins County that will surely feel his loss.

A private burial with family and close friends was held on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve in Newfield, N.Y.