Obituary of Alan Hoover Woodworth

Alan H. Woodworth, 95, of Belvidere, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Mira Vie Belvidere.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, on November 6, 1930, he was the son of the late Will H. Woodworth Sr.  and Ethel (Hoover) Woodworth.

Al was a 1948 graduate from his hometown E.L. Meyers High School. He and his twin brother Bill excelled at football, and they were part of the Wyoming Valley Conference Football Champions. Al and Bill went on to play football and graduated from Muhlenberg College.

Al worked for 50 years in educational publishing and served as president of the New York City Educational Sales Association. He and his wife of 61 years, Claire (Payne), raised their three children in Maywood, NJ, where they were active members of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, members of the council, singing int choir and teaching Sunday School. In addition, Al enjoyed golf, bowling, and many group activities, where he made life-long friends. Family vacations to Long Beach Island, NJ, and Massina, NY, made happy memories. When they retired to Belvidere, Al and Claire continued to be active in church and social activities.

Al enjoyed watching sports at all levels. He was a long time St. Louis Cardinals fan but was equally as happy to support the little league, high school and college activities of his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Claire Marjory (Payne) Woodworth; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles Woodworth (Doris), Donald Woodworth (Elvira) and Will Woodworth (Barbara Ecker).

Al is survived by his daughters, Laura Jean and husband, Lance Larsen, and Elaine Ruth and husband John Norcross; son Alan Payne and wife Leslie (Widmer); sister-in-law Barbara (Williams) Woodworth; grandchildren, Sarah Woodworth, David Woodworth (Alicia Kay); Patricia Woodworth; Desli (Norcross) Getch and husband Jacob Getch; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Al’s family deeply appreciates the warm and caring atmosphere of the Mira Vie community and the extraordinary care he received from the hospice team in the last months of his life.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Contributions may be made in Al’s memory to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Washington, NJ or Haven of Hope for Kids.