Woodwell Served as Superintendent for 15 Years
The Hicksville Water District (HWD) is saddened to announce that former District Superintendent Richard Woodwell has passed away at age 93. Affectionately called “Woody” by those at the District, Woodwell served as HWD Superintendent from 1983 to 1998, capping off more than 50 years of service to the Hicksville community. A Syosset resident, he is survived by his son, Justin.
“Woody’s passing weighs heavily on the hearts of his family, friends and those of us here at the Hicksville Water District,” said HWD Chairman William Schuckmann. “I had the honor of working for Woody for many years and succeeding him as Superintendent following his retirement in 1998. He was a great leader, person and friend who truly put everything he had into ensuring that our community received the high-quality water service it deserves.”
Woodwell was the definition of a “ladder-climber” at the HWD. He started out as a laborer in 1947, a time in which the Hicksville community was undergoing massive expansion. He would eventually become a meter reader, then water serviceman, then water plant operator before finally becoming Superintendent. His passion for service was not exclusive to the Hicksville community, as he also served his country during the Korean War and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Additionally, Woodwell was a member of the Long Island Water Conference and American Water Work Association.
