Richard Woodworth

On November 16, 2025, Richard Eugene Woodworth Jr. at age 74 passed away at the hospital surrounded by family. Rich suffered a horrific fall in September while vacationing. He never recovered.

Rich was born to Richard Eugene Woodworth, Sr. and Margaret Louise Fitzgerald in Salamanca, New York on April 18, 1951. Rich first learned he was a child of God from a loving neighbor Florence White who taught him about Jesus at the age of 9. Later (age 11) his Aunt (Lois) and Uncle (Les Ganoe) sent the missionaries to teach him more about Christ. After reading the entire Book of Mormon together with his sister (Carol Welles), Rich and his sister joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on their own. During Rich's teen years he was blessed to live with his Uncle Les and Aunt Lois in Canandaigua, New York. After high school, Rich attended Rick's college. While at Rick's, he met the love of his life Reta Critchfield. Six weeks after returning from serving a two-year mission, Rich was sealed to Reta in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 2, 1972. They have five children: LeGrand, Shane (Michelle), Candace (Justin), Andrew (Kara), and Tyler (Mindy). Rich and Reta have 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

With the loving support and conviction of Reta, Rich was able to serve his God, family and fellow man from the age of 19 until his passing. Rich served in many capacities and communities, with a particular love of genealogy and serving with Reta in The House of the Lord. Rich and Reta were blessed to return and serve a full-time mission where Rich grew up by serving in the Rochester, New York mission.

Rich saw the good in others and their need to feel love. With no reservations he would share a kind word with anyone who appeared downtrodden. He was a huge fan and cheerleader of his grandkids. Rich always encouraged and taught them to see their potential.

His family, in this time of devastation, appreciates the love and prayers expressed and shown by those that knew Rich or any of his family.

Rich is survived by his wife Reta, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, his sister, and siblings in the Ganoe and Critchfield family.

The legacy Rich wanted to leave was that he was a disciple of Christ and he encourages all to follow the Lamb of God who is mighty to save.