Granville – Michael I. Wooddell, 66, passed away at his residence on August 23, 2013 with his brother by his side following an eight month battle of stomach cancer.

He was born on January 10, 1947 in Granville, the son of the late Braymer and Elizabeth Betty (Edwards) Wooddell.

Michael was a graduate of Granville High School, "Class of 1966".  He had a very active baseball career in high school from 1963 to 1966.  He pitched two "no-hitter" games, one in high school and one in the American Legion league.  His career stats included 43 wins, 13 losses and 2 no hitters.  Michael was also credited with having 19 "strike-outs" in 7 innings.  In 1966 his baseball team won their first ever "Section II, Class B Baseball Championship" for Granville High School.

In his senior year, Michael received an invitation from the New York Mets to tryout with the team In July of 1966.  But before he was able to report, he was drafted into the United States Army.  He and his brother Patrick were both drafted together, entered boot camp together and served in Vietnam together.  Following his return from Vietnam in 1968, he received another letter to report for another try-out. Unfortunately he was not signed.

Michael was a 43 year member of the American Legion Post 323 of Granville, and served as the 4th District, Sergeant of Arms, the V.F.W. Post in Granville, and a life member of the American Disabled Veterans Association.   He enjoyed working with young men in baseball and sports and served as the J.V. Baseball Coach for Granville High School in the 1970's.  He was an avid Yankee fan and collector of baseball memorabilia .

Michael was employed for Telescope Casual Furniture Company in Granville for many years.  He also worked for Bernardo's Restaurant in Granville and the Fairvale Inn and Restaurant in North Granville.

Survivors include two brothers, Patrick H. Wooddell of Granville and Peter Wooddell of Laconia, N.H., one uncle, Randall (Pete) "Jr." Edwards of Albany, and several cousins.

Michael's wishes were to have a private graveside service at Mettowee Cemetery in Granville with full military honors.  He requested that a celebration of his life be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 2 to 5 pm at Bernardo's Restaurant on Church Street, Granville

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Haynes House of Hope.  7187 State Route 149, Granville, N.Y.  12832.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Michael G. Angiolillo Funeral Home, 210 Broadway, Whitehall, N.Y.