David Jon Woodcock

David J. Woodcock, 74, of Belchertown, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend, passed away unexpectedly and suddenly at his home on March 23rd, with his wife by his side. Born in Greenfield, MA and raised in Orange, MA, David graduated from Mahar Regional High School in 1964. He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he earned degrees in Government and Education in 1968. Following graduation, he was hired to teach at Granby Jr.Sr. High School in Granby, MA, a job he loved and held until his retirement in 2007. During his time in Granby, he also coached both baseball and basketball for many years in the 1970’s and early 80’s before becoming the baseball coach in Belchertown in the mid-late 80’s, giving him the opportunity to coach his two sons. David loved his family and friends, especially his wife Sammye and their two sons, Jason and Timothy. He also greatly cherished his grandchildren, and all of their wonderful time spent as a family, especially annual vacations on the Cape in Falmouth, MA. David was predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Nancy (Smith) Woodcock and his brother Keith Woodcock. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sammye (Greenlaw), his sons, Jason (Jennifer Merrigan) of East Longmeadow and Timothy (Suzanne Kelton) of Sutton, MA. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Sarah and Jacob Woodcock, Alexander and Rosabel Woodcock, and Jack and Sam Merrigan. He is also survived by his two brothers, William Woodcock (Carole) of Mashpee, MA, and Christopher Woodcock (JoAnne) of Orange, MA, as well as several nieces and nephews. Walk thru calling hours are open to the public at the Beers and Story Belchertown Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 31 from 5-7 PM. A private funeral service for the family will be held at the Hope United Methodist Church in Belchertown followed by a private graveside service. You're welcome to attend a Virtual Service by going to the Hope United Methodist Church Facebook page on Thursday at 10;00 a.m. Because of David’s lifelong love of both teaching and coaching, memorial gifts can be made to the student-athletes of Granby (MA) High School. To do so, please make checks payable to “Town of Granby” and please include “Granby Jr. Sr. High School Athletics” on the memo line