Wood

William E. “Bill” Wood, 84, of Chicora, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home early Sunday morning, Jan. 4, 2026.

William was born in Butler Sept. 26, 1941. He was the son of the late Lawrence E. “Bud” and Helen D. “Dot” Barney Wood.

He was a 1959 graduate of Chicora High School and a United States Air Force Veteran, having served in Guam during the beginning phases of the Vietnam War. He retired as a train engineer following 30 years of service at Armco in Butler.

He was a member of the American Legion Post in Chicora, the VFW in Kane, The Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association and the National Rifle Association. He was a life member of the Chicora United Methodist Church and had served the church as a board member. In his earlier years, Bill was an avid hunter and looked forward to spending time at his camp near Kane. He was a race car enthusiast, traveling to many race tracks far and wide. He enjoyed attending area steam engine shows. Bill was a collector of Farmall tractors and enjoyed rebuilding tractor engines with his grandchildren and buying, restoring and selling farm equipment.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Jane Smith Wood, whom he married at the Chicora United Methodist Church Oct. 2, 1999. Also surviving are two daughters, Lisa A. Curry and her husband, Glen, of Hopewell Township, and Melinda K. Wood, of Butler; his grandchildren, Griffin W. Curry and his fiancée, Alexis Graef, of Moon Township, and Sean F. Curry, of Hopewell Township; his stepsons, Dennis E. Roudebush Sr. and his wife, Kim, of Herman, and Steven M. Roudebush and his wife, Barbara, of Astatula, Fla.; as well as seven step-grandchildren and thirteen step-great-grandchildren; and many friends from work, Brian Beblo and many others who visited Bill during his final days.

Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith A. Holben Wood, whom he married at Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic Church in Chicora on July 21, 1962. Mrs. Wood passed away Dec. 5, 1990. He was also predeceased by two step-granddaughters, Carolyn and Brittany Roudebush, as well as a number of aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care.

WOOD — Friends of William E. “Bill” Wood, who died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at HILE FUNERAL HOME of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the funeral home with the Rev. Beverly Roscoe, pastor of the Chicora United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will be in Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora.

Military honors will be accorded by members of the Chicora and Bradys Bend American Legion Posts at 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chicora United Methodist Church, PO Box 502, Chicora, PA 16025.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.