Freeport- Atwood Packard “Woody” Dunham, Jr. a devoted educator, veteran, and loving family man, passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, at Horizons in Brunswick, Maine on September 27, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on March 10, 1931, in Brockton, Massachusetts to Atwood Packard Dunham, Sr. and Edna Foye Dunham, Woody lived a life defined by a sense of duty and purpose. As a young man, immediately after graduating from Wesleyan University in 1953, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. During his military service in Korea, he discovered his lifelong calling. Recognizing the potential in his fellow airmen, Woody dedicated much time to tutoring them, helping them prepare for and pass career-enhancing examinations. He also taught mathematics to local Koreans working on base. This experience sparked a deep realization within him: education was not only a tool to uplift individuals, but it was also the very foundation of a strong, enduring society.

Following his honorable discharge, Woody returned to school to pursue his passion for learning, first at Boston University where he received his Masters of Education in 1958. He then began his teaching journey in Mount Kisco, New York, returning summers to Wesleyan University for the Graduate Liberal Studies Program in mathematics, graduating in 1967. It was during this chapter of his life that he met the absolute love of his life, Marilyn. They married and ultimately settled in Wellesley, Massachusetts where they raised their children and enjoyed a life rich with family, friends, work and civic responsibility. The two were married for over 60 years, exemplifying a beautiful devotion that truly defined the vow "until death do us part."

Woody’s distinguished career as an educator spanned from the early 1960s until his retirement in 1993. After teaching in Mount Kisco, he found his long-term professional home at Newton North High School in Newton, Massachusetts. There, he inspired students as a dedicated Math teacher and later expanded his impact on the school community as an Administrative Principal. He believed fiercely that America is an ongoing work in progress, and that a robust education system is critical to sustaining and strengthening our democracy.

Outside the classroom and office, Woody felt a deep connection to nature and the elements. He loved sailing, finding immense peace and freedom out on the ocean. When on land, he could often be found tending his garden in a ripped old tee shirt, more holes than shirt, with the Red Sox blasting from an old radio. Cultivating the soil reminded him of the "Victory Gardens" of his youth, serving as a quiet, lifelong symbol of his enduring patriotism, patience, and work ethic.

Woody and Marilyn moved to Freeport, Maine full time upon his retirement, enjoying much time with family and friends, traveling, including multiple trips to Italy, and many activities and organizations as Friends of Bowdoin College where Woody audited every Italian class available and joined an Italian Group with whom he continued to meet through the last weeks of his life. Woody was also a member of the Old Stone Post Investment Club, the Harraseeket Yacht Club and the South Freeport Congregational Church.

Woody was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn, his parents and his sisters Ann Dunham Woodward and Mary Dunham Scott. He is survived by his children Margaret, "Meg" (Gregory) and Jonathan "Jon" (Rebecca) and five grandchildren, who will strive to carry forward his ideals.

An interment and memorial service will be held at a later date. Further details will be shared by the family. Arrangements and guidance are under the direction of Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal Street, Brunswick, ME. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Stetson’s Funeral Home website www.StetsonFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a contribution to a charity of your choice that focuses on educating youth or strengthening democratic institutions, honoring Woody's lifelong belief in the power of knowledge and civic duty.