In Memory: Richard “Woody” Coddington, Age 81
Richard “Woody” Coddington died on January, 14th 2023. He was born on October 27th, 1941 in Monticello, NY, the first child of Chet and Shirley Coddington (nee leffer). He is survived by his brother Bart of Aptos, CA, Cynthia (nee webster) his loving wife of 59 years, his son Andrew (Danette) of independence, OH and his daughter Christina Raab (Gary) of Naples, fl. Also surviving are grandchildren Colin and Annika Raab, Sam and Ellie Coddington and step-grandson Max Troibner
Woody epitomized the “work hard, play hard” mantra. He had both a successful business career and was a life-long competitive athlete. He grew up in Rye, NY and graduated from it’s high school in 1959. In 1963 he was awarded a B.A. with honors in economics from Syracuse University followed by an M.B.A. from Harvard business school. Woody spent sixteen years as a corporate warrior and was transferred to Cleveland in 1976. He finished his corporate career as a VP with APCOA. In 1982 he became a self-employed management consultant specializing in buying, selling, and valuing companies. The latter led to engagements as an expert witness.
Among his favorite sports were softball, basketball, paddle tennis and downhill skiing. He medaled twice at the national level taking a Bronze in the outdoor pentathlon and a Gold in softball at the national senior games. He represented the Cleveland Skating Club in superstars for thirteen years and captained its only winning team.
His other interests included reading, travel (he visited all fifty states), bridge, cooking, genealogy and solving puzzles. Wood was also a published author.
Woody and Cynthia lived in Shaker Heights for 28 years. In 2004 they moved to a lakefront townhouse in Geauga County and started spending their winters in Naples, Florida. A celebration of life will be held in Ohio in summer 2023. Contributions in his memory may be made to the National Senior Games and Avow Hospice.
