George H. Wood Jr., 87, of Philipsburg died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 at his residence.
Mr. Wood was the son of the late George H. Sr. and Phoebe (Sterno) Wood born Nov. 9, 1925. He married the former Margaret “Pat” Oelbermann on April 19, 1949 in Philipsburg. She survives him at home.
He was Christian by faith.
Mr. Wood was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Louis Jenkins Post #3450, Philipsburg, and a member of the Chester Hill Fire Department.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and served from 1943 to 1945. While serving in the Navy, he played trumpet in the Navy Band of Admiral Chester Nimitz. Upon discharge from the navy, he returned home and formed his own dance band.
Mr. Wood loved hunting, fishing, camp life, playing the trumpet and various instruments and having sing-alongs with family and friends. His homemade breads crossed the palettes of many neighbors.
When he returned from the Navy, he helped his father in his electrical business in Philipsburg and surrounding communities. He continued his field of work and became a journeyman electrician until his retirement.
He was a 1943 graduate of the Philipsburg High School.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Wood was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Joseph Nelson and a sister, Florence Edwards.
He is survived by five daughters, Sandra P. Whitehead and her husband, James Sr. of Philipsburg, Mary Karen Shanahan and her husband, Allen of Tuscon, AZ., Maureen A. Gisiger and her husband, Jean Claude of Viry, France, Jennifer J. Stawinski and her husband, Nicholas of Owings, MD and Laurie S. Nelson of Middletown; four sons, Michael A. Wood and his wife, Patricia of Lanse, Robert C. Wood and Mark E. Wood, all of Philipsburg and George E. Wood and his wife, Debra of St. Augustine, FL; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Social Hall, located behind the church. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Wood may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 400 S. Fourth St., Philipsburg, PA 16866, or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1 Spruce St., Philipsburg, PA 16866.
Friends may sign the guestbook at: beezerheathfh.com.
