Obituary of Robert L. Wood

Robert Lewis Wood, age 78, passed into the arms of his loving Lord on April 13, 2020 at the Katherine Luther Home in Clinton. “Woody” died peacefully, with his wife Valerie and his daughter Valerie by his side. Woody was a life-long Roman, the first of 7 children born to Rita & Lewie Wood. He began his education at St. Mary’s School, going on to graduate from St. Aloyisius Academy in 1959. He continued his education at Utica College, and then went on to work on his Master’s at Syracuse University. Bob spent his career teaching 7th graders the wonders of Social Studies, all 33 years at Staley JHS. After being raised in a warm, boisterous, large family with “dozens of cousins”, Bob continued the tradition. He married Karen Miner of Rome, and they raised 3 children, Valerie, Rob, and Kathy Lynn. In 1983 he married Valerie Hughes, helping her raise her young son Timothy; Woody and Valerie added more fun to the mix with two sons of their own, Christopher and Gregory. Woody is survived by his wife of 37 years, Valerie, daughter Valerie Bowers of Rome, son Rob Wood (Krissy) of Rome, daughter Kathy Lynn Wood (Cliff David) of Connecticut, son Timothy Hughes (Amy) of Marcy, son Christopher Wood (Clarissa) of Rochester, son Gregory Wood (Allison) of NYC. Bob leaves his sister Mary Lou Sauter (Jerry) of Florida, brother David Wood (Kathy) of Rome, sisters Bernie Dunn (Larry) of New Hartford, Susie Carvelli (Tony) of Rome, and Betsy O’Brien (Bob) of Spencerport. He also leaves brother-in-law Bob Schoeler of Texas, sister-in-law Linda Wood of Schenectady and Florida, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents Rita and Lewie, and by his beloved brother Jim. Woody was a man of integrity, honor, and faith who loved his family, golf, his union, and good music. He loved his years at Teugega, from learning the course as a young bagboy (walking 18 holes carrying 2 sets of clubs and giving amazingly accurate yardages and green readings to the members), to working in the Pro Shop, to aceing hole #15 twice as an accomplished golfer. He was dedicated to the teachers’ union, honored to serve as president of the RTA for 4 years, and to be a master negotiator for many union contracts. He would say, “Each side has to win.”, and he always found a way to do it. Bob loved good music, and was proud to be a member of the bass section of the Oneida Chorale for many years. He also loved his church and was a life-long member of St. Mary’s, and then St. Peter’s/St. Mary’s. Many thanks to the people who helped Woody in his difficult struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Among the health care professionals who went above and beyond for him are Karen from Presbyterian Home’s Cedar Unit, Lisa from Lutheran Home, Diane and Laurie from Gordon Unit, and Donna and Diane from Bryant Unit. Donna Kelley did so much to ease our family’s grief that we can never thank her enough. A memorial service will be held on July 10, 2020, at 11 A.M. at St. Peter's Church, Rome. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday from 4-7 P.M. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Anyone who plans to attend is asked to please wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing regulations. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Peter’s/St. Mary’s Church. In lieu of flowers, please do a kind deed and think of Bob.