FRANKLIN: Alan Hale Woodrow

Alan Hale Woodrow, known to many simply as "Chef", passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 14, 2026, at the age of 94 in Brewster, Massachusetts, where he spent the last two years of his life.

Alan was born on June 1, 1931, in Biddeford, Maine, to Emma Elizabeth Woodrow and William Thomas Woodrow II, and grew up in Orange, Massachusetts. In 1952 he proudly entered the United States Army, serving until 1954 during the Korean War. After returning home, he began building the life that would define him--one centered on family, community, and the joy he found in cooking.

Cooking was not just Alan's career, it was his calling. For forty years, he served as Chef at Dean College in Franklin, MA, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence to generations of students and staff. He also spent thirty years as Chef at The Lighthouse Inn on Cape Cod. His love for the kitchen earned him the nickname "Chef", a name that followed him throughout his life.

Alan and his beloved wife, Mary Joan Woodrow (Johnson), shared 64 years of marriage. Together they raised their family in Franklin, Massachusetts, where they lived for 52 years and created a home filled with warmth, laughter and lasting memories.

Alan was also deeply involved in the Masonic community. He was a proud member and Past Master of Excelsior Lodge in Franklin, MA and a member of the Knights Templar. In his quieter moments, he could often be found cheering on the Boston Red Sox.

Alan is survived by his wife Mary Jo; his children Karen Lipson and her husband George of Floyd, VA, Rhonda Williams and her husband Greg of Alamo, CA, Teri Woodrow and her husband Mark Hennigan of South Yarmouth, MA and Alan (A.J.) Woodrow and his partner Michelle of Franklin, MA and his daughter-in-law Linda Woodrow of Evergreen, CO.

He leaves behind his grandchildren Cedar, Will, Tyler, Ivy, Taylor, Sam and Tommy, and great grandchildren Gabriel, Landon, Lily-Rain and Emmy-Lou.

He was predeceased by his son Stephen Douglas Woodrow and granddaughter Amber Dawn Lutz.

A celebration of Alan's life will be announced at a later date.