Reverend Jonathan Allen Woodhall, 82, of Southern Pines, NC, passed away on December 20, 2022. Born in Stamford, CT, on February 29, 1940, he was the son of the late Willard T. and Josephine Seminara Woodhall. He was educated at Fairfield College Preparatory School and earned a BA from Mexico City College. Upon his return from Mexico, he began his career in education as a Latin and humanities teacher at Greenwich Country Day School; during these years, he traveled extensively throughout Europe, and he earned a MALS from Wesleyan University.
He married Sally Campbell Woodhall in 1968, and he went on to teach Latin and Religion at Convent of the Sacred Heart in Noroton Heights, CT, and then served as Dean of Studies at Villa Duchesne in St. Louis, MO. In 1974 he and his family returned to Connecticut, where Jonathan became Assistant Headmaster at The Oxford Academy in Westbrook, CT, and then served as Headmaster from 1976-1983. During this time, he earned a PhD in Theology from Fordham University and was also ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Norwich, CT.
In 1983, he and his wife and three children moved to Bethlehem, CT, to establish The Woodhall School, an independent boys boarding school for young men in grades 9-12, who had not found success in traditional schools. He served as the first President of the Board of Trustees and later as Co-Head of School and finally as Director of Development. In 1994, he moved to Southern Pines to become Head of the Upper School at The O’Neal School. Throughout his career as an educator, he was known for his steadfast manner, engaging humor, and a capacity to connect readily with students, teachers, and parents alike.
Following his deep faith and commitment to serving others, he made the decision to join the full-time ministry. In 1999, he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Raleigh, NC. He served as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh from 1999-2006. After his retirement, he stayed active in ministry and pastoral outreach and enjoyed many friendships and connections.
Throughout his life, he was an avid reader of literature, history, and religion. He had a love of languages and was fluent in Spanish and proficient in Italian. He relished travel abroad, museums, opera, and theatre. Family was of utmost importance to him.
Jonathan is survived by his former wife, Sally Campbell Woodhall, of Bethlehem, CT; his two children, Sarah Woodhall Hoffert and her husband, Alex Hoffert, of Newtown, CT, and Matthew C. Woodhall and his wife, Jennie Panchy, of Bethlehem; six beloved grandchildren, Charles Reycroft, Harrison Hoffert, Nathaniel Hoffert, Samantha Hoffert, Maya Woodhall and Zoë Woodhall; and his many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter Abigail J. Woodhall of Bethlehem, and his brothers, William J. Woodhall of Norwalk, CT, and Thomas W. Woodhall of San Francisco.
Funeral arrangements
Vigil for the Deceased will be celebrated Wednesday, January 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 200 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh.
Mass cards and condolences may be sent to the following address:
The Woodhall School
58 Harrison Lane
Bethlehem, CT 06751
Please continue to include Father Woodhall among your intentions, especially at Mass, as well as his family and all who mourn his death. May he know the peace of the Kingdom and the fullness of joy in the heavenly liturgy this day.
