Woods

Douglas Elliot Woods, 73, passed, away at Allegheny General Hospital on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. His loving family was by his side.

Doug was a 1968 graduate of Burrell Senior High School. He and his wife had recently enjoyed attending their 55th high school class reunion.

Doug graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in English and an Master of Fine Arts in English Literature. Upon graduation, he began teaching at Butler Intermediate High School, where he remained for over 25 years. He received many accolades and honors throughout his career and was still in touch with a few former students. He also taught evening and summer courses at Westmoreland County Community College for 17 years.

In the early ’90s, Doug began to teach fiction writing at the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts, a prestigious summer program for high school artists. During these summers, Doug made many lifelong friends. Doug was eventually named director of the program, a position that he held until the unfortunate cut of state funding in 2008.

Doug was also a talented jazz percussionist and played with several Pittsburgh and local ensembles. Music, reading and travel became life long passions.

Doug derived his greatest joy in life from his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Aimee Rae (Haser) Woods. Doug and Aimee began their love story in high school, and, after graduating college, they married and raised their two girls in Upper Burrell.

Doug is also survived by his daughter, Alexis Rae (Woods) Wisniewski, son-in-law, Jason Michael Wisniewski, their sons Calvin and Baron, and their daughter Lillian. Also surviving are daughter, Alison Mae (Woods) Hall and son-in-law, Michael Kenneth Hall; son, Devon Bunch; brother, Jeffrey Woods (Mary-Sue) of Virginia Beach; brother-in-law, Ralph (Lisa) Haser of New Kensington; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Shirley Mae (Hunger) Woods; and brother-in-law, Eric Z. Haser.

WOODS — Per his wishes, arrangements for Douglas Elliot Woods, who died Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, are private and being handled by SLATER FUNERAL HOME, New Kensington.

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