Woodrow W. “Woody” Litwhiler of Hackettstown, NJ passed away peacefully at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice on September 27, 2023 with his loving wife, Mary by his side. Born in Salem, NJ, Woody and his family moved to Verona, NJ when he was three years old. He was the son of the late Woodrow W. & Elsie Ryan Litwhiler, Sr.
After High School Woody went to Florida State University where he excelled in Baseball and Soccer. His Uncle, Hall of famer, Danny Litwhiler of the Philadelphia Phillies served as his coach and together with his teammates Woody played in 2 College World Series. After college Woody joined the US Navy from 1965 to 1969. During that time Woody attended the officer training school in Newport, Rhode Island where he graduated as a Lieutenant serving on the USS Esteem mine sweeper in South Vietnam.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Woody began his career in advertising. Over his forty year career Woody excelled in being a head art director and writer working in all of the top agencies on Madison Avenue in NYC. He worked his way to the top of his field as an art director creating award-winning campaigns. Woody was the recipient of an Emmy for Advertising. In 1988 he was bestowed with the “Best of NY ADDY” Award, as well as the Bronze Effie award in 1997. Woody led the advertising industry earning the utmost respect of his peers. He retired in 2009 but continued to do freelancing work until 2019.
Woody is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary Graves Litwhiler of Hackettstown, NJ, son Josh and his wife Dr. Megan Litwhiler of Vermont. He is also survived by one very special granddaughter, Idamay Litwhiler. He was predeceased by a brother, John Litwhiler.
Friends and family are cordially invited to Woody’s celebration of life on Sunday, December 10, 2023 from noon to 3pm. Naval honors will be bestowed at 12:30 in the Knights of Columbus Hall, Liberty Street, Hackettstown, NJ. A buffet luncheon will be served. The family asks that you share special memories of Woody with those attending. Interment will be private. The Cochran Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cochranfuneral.com
2 Condolences for Litwhiler, Woodrow W.
Condolences(2)
Doug and Peg Sheldon Russack says
December 1, 2023 at 7:31 pmDear Mary, Josh and family, Our thoughts are with you all. We will always have a smile on our faces whenever we think of Woody. He was a special man.
Paul Wallace says
December 2, 2023 at 1:05 amMrs. Litwhiler
I am so sorry to hear of your Husband’s passing, and cannot thank you both for all your service to our Town, especially when I was on Town Council.
It is always interesting while reading these precious soul’s past to see things that catch your eye, as I noticed Mr. Litwhiler was also from our Hometown of Verona, though Hackettstown became of true passion.
May the LORD Comfort you all as only HE can
GOD Bless
Paul Wallace