John “Jack” Woodbridge passed away May 25, 2023 at the age of 67. He was the son of the late John F. and Joan Kenney Woodbridge. Born and raised in Scranton, Jack was a 1974 graduate of West Scranton High School and went on to earn a degree in Advertising from Penn State. He was a pianist, vocalist and songwriter who in the 80’s performed with a Rolling Stones cover band (“The Stones Show”) and went on to form his own bands “W.A.M.M.” and later “Woody and the Woodpeckers”. He could also be heard playing piano in several restaurants and bars throughout the city. His 1980’s move to New York City resulted in the most creative time of his life that spanned nearly four decades. A few of his many successes include writing the music for an Off-Broadway show (‘The Tale of Tyler T’), cabaret nights at the famous Don’t Tell Mama’s, an award-winning short film (My Secret Friend) and several solo albums that can be heard on Spotify. His work at CNN as part of their production team brought him on the scenes of major news stories and into the circles of celebrities and dignitaries. His music was used in their broadcasts. Jack was America’s Favorite Guest–unwittingly and unavoidably entertaining those in any room he walked into. If he was not sitting at the piano and singing, he was regaling us with hysterical stories that, if not for eyewitnesses, could easily be dismissed as tall-tales. He was devoted to his mother Joan, especially in her final years, and to his siblings and nieces and nephews as well. Jack was surrounded by many, many wonderful people that he called friends who were there for the good times and most recently as his health declined. They brought him great comfort and happiness, and were every bit as much his family. Jack was incredibly thoughtful and loving, and was sure that those in his life knew it in big and small ways. Jack is survived by brothers, Stephen (Joanne) of Exton, PA and children Joe and Dan; Michael (Michelle) of Wilmington, DE and children Justin and Conner; Gregory (Heather) of Lancaster, PA and children Delaney and Liam; and sister Joanne W. Kearns (Kevin) of Great Falls, VA and children Lauren, Kevin, Erin and Siobhan; and great-nephew Colin Woodbridge. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth. Visitation will be at the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, 1240 St. Ann’s St., Scranton, PA on Thursday from 4-8 PM with a Mass of Christian burial from St. Ann’s Basilica on Friday at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Projects With Care, a charity for which Jack donated time and energy to help underprivileged children. projectswithcare.org

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