Stephen J. Wood, Sr.

Stephen J. Wood, Sr. passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024, with his beloved wife of 40 years, Deborah A. Wood. While his and Debbie’s passings are both tragic and sudden, there is comfort in knowing that they returned to God together.

Born in Philadelphia, specifically Swampoodle, Steve grew up in the shadows of Connie Mack Stadium and Saint Columba Catholic Church at 24th and Lehigh. The youngest of four children, Steve knew loss early in his life as his mother died when he was four and his father when he was 13. Given this tremendous loss, he treated friends like family because so many of his childhood friends treated him like that growing up. His friends from North Catholic (Class of 1968) and Penn State (Class of 1972) have been constants in his life – and his family’s. For that, his children are thankful, and know that laughter will return to their lives one day.

Steve’s life took him to San Francisco after college and he always remembered that time affectionately, even though this is when his oldest brother, John, who also lived there, passed away. Returning to Philadelphia in the late 1970s, Steve sold cars for Irving Green’s dealership in Warrington and his love of cars lasted all his life (Ask about his Alfa Romeo). But life took a turn when he partnered with his brother, Bill, to open a bar on 13th Street in Center City. In March 1980, Woody’s opened its doors, and a Philadelphia landmark was born. From 1980-2007, Steve and Skip co-owned Woody’s and while Skip was the public face, Steve was equally involved. But his schedule allowed him to be present in the role of his life, “Dad.” He was at every important moment Meg, Liz, and Steve ever had. He loved driving them places so they could talk, listen to WIP, or hear one of his favorite albums. Few children loved The Doors, Frank Sinatra, Sérgio Mendes, and Stevie Wonder in equal measure.

Knock came next, and he and Skip co-owned their shared restaurant at 12th and Locust Streets until the day he passed. Steve was as vibrant a man as he was kind. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and one never had to wonder what his opinion on any given topic might be. A voracious reader, he relished life’s simplest pleasures: A good book, a good cigar, and an Irish Whiskey. He proudly told everyone – including every person he ever met at the Flourtown Giant – that his best friend in life was his son, Steve Jr., his daughter, Liz, was the most beautiful bride he ever saw, and his oldest daughter, Meg, was his personal “Forrest Gump,” always in the middle of the action, living experiences that he marveled at.

Steve is survived by his adoring children, Meg Kane, Elizabeth Wood McCabe (Michael McCabe), and Stephen J. Wood, Jr. He made their lives and even in this unfathomable moment, he would tell them, “Don’t despair.”

He is also survived by his brother William “Skip” Wood (Lee Mallon) and sister Patricia Sheffield (Robert) as well as his sisters-in-law, Colleen Lederer (Howard) and Lorie Hueber (Gerard). “Uncle Steve” also leaves five nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved: Liza Wood, Emily Stoetzer (Will), Michael Lederer (Tricia), Matthew Hueber, and Grace Hueber. He valued family so deeply because of the loss he knew as a child and young man. He embraced the role of father-figure to many, but always felt a special connection to Annemarie Renzulli Rankin. His final months saw Steve welcome his grandson, Francis Michael McCabe. His joy in Francis’ arrival was incomparable. 10 weeks was simply too little time but there is such gratitude that Steve’s arms were able to embrace Francis so he could feel the love his children knew their entire lives.

Steve is predeceased by his granddaughter Eleanor Grace McCabe, his parents John and Florence (Morris) Wood, his beloved brother, John, and his uncles, Vernon Morris (Jeanne), William Morris (Elsa), and his namesake, Stephen Wood (Mary). He is also predeceased by his best friend in life, Neal McCarthy, and his favorite walking companions from 1999-2024, Patrick, Harry, and Lola, the family’s Airedale terriers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 12PM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 259 Forest Avenue, Ambler, PA 19002. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at Saint Anthony of Padua on Thursday, April 11 from 6-8PM and Friday, April 12 from 10AM – 11:30AM.  The family will share Words of Remembrance at 11:45AM. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Norwood Fontbonne Academy for need-based financial aid so families can afford an NFA education (8891 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 | https://www.norwoodfontbonneacademy.org/).