David R. Woodward Obituary

David Ramsay Woodward, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life was deeply rooted in family, friendship, and the Norwalk community, passed away on September 12, 2026, in Norwalk, Connecticut.

David was born February 12, 1942, in Newton, Massachusetts, and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was the son of the late John Hanford Woodward and Virginia Ramsay Woodward and was predeceased by his brother, John, and his sister, Sarah. He attended Norwalk Public Schools and St. Luke's School before graduating from South Kent School in 1960. He went on to Boston University, where he earned a degree in Journalism in 1965.

Following college, David served his country in the United States Army and the United States Air Force, including a period of service in Korea.

In December 1969, David married Cindy Richards, beginning a marriage that would span more than 56 years. Together they raised their two children, Jennifer and David Jr., and made their home in Norwalk.

David began his career with Hartford Insurance Group before joining his family's insurance business, J.M. Layton & Co., Inc., in 1968. He spent more than three decades helping lead the company, ultimately serving as its president and chief executive officer until his retirement in 1999.

Norwalk was always home, and David believed strongly in giving back to the community that had been such an important part of his life. Over the years, he gave extraordinary time and leadership to local organizations. He served as president of Norwalk United Way, Norwalk Rotary Club, Mid-Fairfield Youth Hockey Association, the Shore and Country Club, and Human Services Council of Mid-Fairfield, among many other leadership roles, including serving on the board of Fairfield County Bank.

He also served organizations including the Norwalk Hospital Association, Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Emergency Shelter, YMCA of Norwalk, American Cancer Society, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum and St. Luke's School. His contributions earned numerous honors, including the Partners in Caring Award and the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce Award for. Contributions to Local Business and the Norwalk Community.

For all that David accomplished professionally and in his community, many of his happiest times were spent doing the things he loved with the people he treasured. Hockey followed David through every stage of his life—as a player in his youth, a coach to his son David, and, later, his grandson Colin's biggest fan in the stands. David also loved being on the water. He enjoyed time spent boating with family and friends, the memories made at the family home in Hamburg Cove, and cruising around the Norwalk Islands aboard the Ardilla. That love of the water extended to Bantam Lake and The Roxbury Club in Morris, Connecticut, where David served as president for many years. He looked forward to the spring and fall outings—a chance to spend time with the guys over cigars and cocktails, good stories, and plenty of laughs.

Above everything else, David treasured his family. At the center of it all was Cindy, his wife and partner for more than 56 years. He was immensely proud of his children, Jennifer and David, and the lives and families they built. To his grandchildren, he was simply "Gramps," a name he cherished and a role he loved. He delighted in their accomplishments, took great pride in the people they had become, and loved being part of their lives. He was especially happy to be present this past June for Emma and Maxx's wedding in Kennebunk Beach, Maine.

David is survived by his wife, Cindy; his daughter, Jennifer Hunt Bauman, and her husband, John Bauman; John's sons Keegan and Westley; his son, David R. Woodward Jr., and his wife, Debra Kelly Woodward; and his beloved grandchildren, Emma Hunt Bauman Bugg and her husband, Maxx; Colin Bishop Woodward; and Molly Galla Woodward.

David lived a full life. He served his country, worked hard, gave generously of his time, treasured his friendships, loved his family deeply, and had a lot of fun along the way. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him, but most of all, he will be lovingly remembered as Dad and, forever, as Gramps.

A memorial service celebrating David's life will be held at the First Congregational Church on the Green in Norwalk, Connecticut, on Tuesday, September 22, at 11:00 a.m. A private family graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org), 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, in honor of David's son-in-law, William Christopher Hunt, who lost his life on September 11, 2001.