Robert C. Wood

Killbuck- Robert C. Wood

Robert C Wood of Killbuck, a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor passed away peacefully after a brief illness on March 19th, 2025, at the age of 82.

Bob was born on July 26th, 1942, in Jamestown NY, the son of Walter C. Wood and Grace L. Cornell Wood.

He graduated from Falconer High School in 1960. Bob went on to obtain his AAS in Applied Sciences at Jamestown Community College, his BA in Social Work at SUNY Fredonia and his Master’s Degree in Social Work at SUNY Buffalo. Bob served in the US Army from 1967-70 at Fort Campbell, KY as Captain in the Medical Service Corp. As Chief of Mental Hygiene Consultation Unit, he was awarded the US Army Commendation Medal for Outstanding Leadership. Upon completion of his military service, Bob went on to work in the service of NYS for the OPWDD (formerly OMRDD) from 1970-96, ultimately serving as Deputy Director of the J.N. Adams Developmental Center in Perrysburg NY. Bob went on in the employ of the Cattaraugus County Department of Community Service serving as both Interim Director and Director as well as Cattaraugus Community Action.

Upon retiring, Bob continued his community service and found himself on a myriad of boards including the Cattaraugus County Community Services Board, Directions in Independent Living Board, Pfeiffer Nature Center Board and the Town of Carrollton Planning Board. Bob then literally and figuratively “dug into” acquiring his Master Forest Owner Certification, even becoming the Regional Coordinator of the Master Forest Owners for Alleghany & Cattaraugus counties. His love of a healthy, working timber stand in concert with his belief in good forest stewardship led to his membership in the American Tree Farm Association and the NY Forest Owners Association.

Whether on a hike, a walk or a stroll around his sprawling acreage, Bob kept the company of a good dog until the end of his life. He had the constant companionship of many a great Labrador and German Shorthaired Pointer. Each one, a joyful and loyal friend throughout the decades.

Bob’s commitment to his family celebrations was unwavering. He was a reliable presence at family reunions, graduations, weddings, “corn roasts & clambakes” and usually arrived in style in one of his great loves, the classic automobile.

To refer to Bob as a car aficionado would be a disservice. His relentless pursuit of the history and restoration of his chosen “classic” led to the acquisition of a number of storied vintage cars. His membership with the Antique Automobile Association, his attendance to numerous antique car shows, his fondness for automobilia as well as his frequent car-cruises speaks to his enthusiasm.

Bob surrounded himself with the good things in life – quality friendships, travels, music, food and a lovely home that he built and maintained and continued to improve. He created a lovely life for himself tucked away in the woods.

Bob was an encouraging and accommodating fixture in his family’s collective life – a great “cheerleader”. He was a devoted son to his parents, a kind and supportive brother to his sisters and a loving and generous uncle to his nieces and nephew as well as his great nieces and nephews.

Bob will be profoundly missed. He is survived by his sisters Bonnie (Howard “Bud”) Zollinger of Randolph, Jennifer (James) Lombardo of Saranac Lake, niece, Tammy (Scott) Chase of Randolph, nephew, Cameron “Bunky” (Cheryl) Zollinger of Randolph, and niece, Julie (Adam) Fischer of Lake Clear, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

There will be no services at this time, Bob’s family will host a private celebration of life to be held at a future date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be made to the New York State Forest Owners Association at P.O Box 644, Naples, NY 14512.