Stephen T. Wood, 68, passed away on June 11, 2025, at his home in Walton, surrounded by his loving family. He fought hard for two years with an inspirational and positive attitude, against pancreatic cancer.
Stephen was born on Oct. 27, 1956, in Walton, to Millard M. Wood and Agnes (Fitch) Wood.
Stephen “Woody” is survived by his loving family, his beloved wife Patty Wood, of Walton, his children Eric (Tiffany) Wood of Walton, and Julie (Nick Hernandez) of Reno, Nevada. Also, his three grandchildren who were the delight of his life. He was known for giving them fun nicknames: Graham “Who” and Cody “Ha” Hernandez, and his “Waver Babers,” Waverly Wood. He has given his grandkids the experience of having the best “Papa/Grandpa” there ever was.
He is also survived by two brothers Carl (Gail) of Indiana, and Ray (Arlene) of Bainbridge, and two sisters, Irene Conklin and Carol Nichols of Walton; sisters-in-law Dotti (Joe) Kruppo of Walton, Ronnie (Ron) Hunter of Connecticut, Audrey Wood of Downsville, Beverly Wood of Walton, and Karen Hoyt of Bainbridge; brother-in-law George Conklin of Walton, and many, many loved nieces and nephews.
Stephen is preceded in death by his parents Millard M. Wood and Agnes I. Fitch, his brothers George, Merlyn, and Alan Wood, and his beloved mother-in-law Mary Hunter.
Stephen graduated from Walton Central School and was a proud member of the Class of 1974. He worked at S.J. Bailey’s right out of high school and stayed there until they left Walton. He also worked at First Delaware Land Co., Breakey Motors, the Walton Pharmacy, and finally as a maintainer for the NYC Department of Environmental Protection in Downsville until his retirement in 2018.
Stephen married Patricia (Hunter) Wood on June 25, 1983, in the gazebo in Bassett Park in Walton. He helped Patty and the community rebuild the new gazebo there several years ago.
Woody was best known for his smile and sense of humor, his love of old cars, his love/hate relationship with the NY Giants and NY Yankees and his dedication to the Walton Warriors. He was an accomplished builder and built two garages and a large addition to his home, with only the extra hands of friends and family when he needed their expertise. He had a special bond with his son Eric sharing his knowledge and love of cars, although they didn’t agree on the best manufacturer!
He was a friend to all who knew him and will be missed by many.
A celebration of life for Stephen will be held Tuesday, June 17 from 5-8 p.m. at the Walton Fire Hall, 61 West Street, Walton. At Woody’s request he wanted to have a gathering for stories, memories and support for family and friends instead of a formal service.
The family suggests wearing your Wood’s Mobile Blasting shirt, or any car shirt in Woody’s honor to keep it casual and fun like he wanted.
Memorial donations can be made in Stephen’s name to the Walton Fire Department, or to the Enhance DVH Fund, 1 Titus Place, to help build the new addition to the hospital.
The family is deeply grateful for the care Woody received at DVH in his last days, and to the Walton Fire Department Ambulance for bringing him home.
Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton, is assisting the family. Visit www.courtneyfh.com to express condolences.
