Sherwood "Woody" Brewster Bliss

July 7, 2025

Sherwood "Woody" Brewster Bliss, who served the Town of Weston, Connecticut for decades as an elected official and community volunteer, passed away on Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was 89 years old.

Mr. Bliss and his family moved to Weston in 1974 in the midst of his 34-year career at IBM. He became involved in the community right away. Over the next five decades, his involvement included coaching Little League baseball, being an active member of Weston Kiwanis and Norfield Congregational Church, co-founding the Weston Historical Society (now the Weston History & Culture Center), and serving as treasurer of the Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center.

In 1981, Mr. Bliss was elected to the Board of Selectmen. He became first selectman in 2001 and served four terms. Later, he was elected to the Board of Police Commissioners, where he served until his resignation and move to North Carolina last September.

Mr. Bliss was proud of his accomplishments as first selectman, particularly for steering the school and recreation construction projects over the finish line in the early 2000s, adding to the town’s open spaces, and promoting volunteerism.

He spoke highly of those who preceded and succeeded him in office, and his current successor spoke highly of him.

“Woody set the standard for all the men and women in the first selectman’s job,” said First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor. “His time in office was transformative and indelible. He set a great example to not be afraid to move ahead making Weston ideal for families and lifetime residents.”

“I was always lucky to get Woody’s counsel. He was a straight shooter. He was generous in sharing his knowledge and experience. We are all lucky that he was one of us, so important to our community.”

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Sgt. Terry Mooney (Ret)

    Woody served as First Selectman during my last five years on the Weston Police Department. My duties included keeping him up to date on actions taken by the department in the process of fulfilling it's law enforcement duties. I always enjoyed my conversations with Woody. He was one of the nicest gentleman I have ever known. He was First Selectman when I retired in 2005 and spoke at my retirement party. He was generous in his praise which touched me deeply. But that was Woody, he would always see the positive in any situation. I was a police officer in Weston for thirty years and I know Woody made it a better place to live and work.

    My condolences to his family.

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