Roger T. Woodson

Roger T. Woodson age 64 years died peacefully, surrounded by family, at home in Walpole on Sunday, June 1, 2008. Born in Martinez, California on October 27, 1943 to his parents Burquest and Lucile (Titus) Woodson, he graduated from Alhambra High School with the class of 1961. He later went on to attend Northeastern University. Mr. Woodson served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Zwei bruken, Germany for 3 years, where at only 18 years of age, he helped to create one of the first mobile digital computers. He returned from Germany to live in Norwood and work for Sylvania Electronics in Needham, where he met the love of his life, his late wife, Maureen (Doherty) Woodson. They married in 1966 and moved to Walpole, where they raised four children.

He was a talented mathematician and loved problem solving, which led to a career as a Systems Analyst. He co-founded Data Architects, one of the first computer programming companies in Waltham, where he worked for more than 25 years. Most recently, he worked for ComputerShare in Canton for more than 10 years.

He created the first cobol computer language for Sylvania Electronics in Needham.

Mr. Woodson loved all sports, especially baseball after watching his father play professional baseball for the San Francisco Seals.

He was proud to be a part of Babe Ruth Baseball, coaching for 15 years in Walpole. He loved these years, sharing his love and true passion for the sport. Even while in the hospital recently, when doctors listened to his airways, and asked him to say something, he whispered, "I love baseball." In his younger years, he was on local softball teams, including his favorite Irish Heaven.

Mr. Woodson's hobbies included military history, especially the WWII and the Civil War, any type of trivia, classic films, travel, dancing, music, rubiks cube, sodoku, and any type of challenging puzzle.

At the center of his life was his wife of more than 40 years, Maureen Woodson. They exemplified the best in marriage and family values, and they have passed this legacy on to their 4 children. He was the happiest when he was spending time with his children and grandchildren, teaching them how to swim, play sports, dance, and talking about history. Beloved husband of the late Maureen Ann (Doherty) Woodson. Loving father of Brian C. Woodson of Casco, ME, Beth E. Abely of Walpole, Nicole W. Hanover of Walpole, and Kathleen W. Jamieson of Walpole. Cherished grandfather of 5. Brother of Sigrid Snider of Pleasant Hill, CA and the late Jeff Woodson. Also survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the funeral service that will be held in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street Walpole on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 10 AM. Visiting hours are Thursday, June 5, 2008 4-8PM. Interment is private. Memorial donations may be made to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute 44 Binney Street Boston, MA 02115.