Richard J. "Richie" Wood

RUTLAND - Richard Wood Sr., 80, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, after several years of decline due to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Richard was the beloved son of the late Owen Wood and Rose (Blanchard) Wood, and the last remaining member of his generation. He now reunites with his parents and his sisters—Carolyn Cookson, Dorothy Wood, Joan Wood, Rosemary Kruczynski, and his brother Owen—who are undoubtedly waiting for him with open arms, and quite possibly a trophy for being the longest-living Wood man to make it past 55.

Known by many names—Rich, Richie, Woody—but most importantly Dad, and his favorite people called him Papa. But his father-in-law, lovingly referred to him as a “cheap son of a b*,” every time they went out to dinner. No matter what you call him Richie lived a life defined by resilience, humor, and deep devotion to family.

Richie cheated death early—on Halloween night in second grade when he was struck by a car and remained in a coma for two weeks. It would not be the last time he proved his toughness. At 15, following the loss of his father, he left school to help support his family. Though his formal education ended, his work ethic and life skills were second to none.

At 18, a blind date changed everything when he met the love of his life, Judy (McKinnon). Together they made up for missed high school moments by attending many proms and began building a partnership that would last a lifetime. In 1965, his heart was broken by the loss of his brother Owen, who had been studying for priesthood at Holy Cross, leaving a hole forever in his heart.

Richie began his long career at Norton Company in 1967, and married Judy on August 3, 1968. He was drafted into the Vietnam War—leaving behind his pregnant wife. He served as a combat engineer, though he preferred his time as a cook (a skill that did not follow him home). When he returned in August 1970, he met his daughter Kristen for the first time—who, family lore says, she recognized him instantly from photos and immediately called him “Daddy.” Their son Richard Jr. (“Ricky”) would soon complete their family.

Richie was a devoted father who coached his kid’s sports teams, taught them home repairs and yard work and helped them through every stage of their lives. He passed on life lessons in the form of jokes, teasing, and role modeled commitment, dedication and hard work.

He had simple tastes and stood by them proudly: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies and ice cream made up most of his lifelong diet—his “culinary range” never really expanding beyond that.

After dedicating 35 years of hard physical labor to provide for his family. The work took its toll on his body, eventually leading to his retirement, but that never dampened his commitment to helping others.

In retirement, Richard and Judy spent their years camping in Coldbrook in Barre, where life revolved around neighbors, cookouts, and karaoke nights. Because while he loved his family deeply, he loved music just as much. Richie could often be found hunting yard sales and thrift stores, always on the lookout for the next addition to his extensive music collection. He could be heard singing the Beatles, the Big Bopper, Roy Orbison or even Tiny Tim.

He loved to make people laugh and never missed a chance to tease those he cared about most. Even in his final years, he could still recite routines from The Three Stooges, or repeat the same jokes long before his dementia kicked in. He also had a lifelong love of dogs and was rarely, if ever, seen without a loyal companion by his side.

Richie’s devotion to family extended beyond his immediate household. He visited his mother daily until her passing in 1989 and later shared regular visits (and plenty of cookies) with his sister Rosemary until her passing in 1994, demonstrating a quiet, unwavering loyalty that defined who he was.

He leaves behind his adoring family: his beloved wife of 57 years, Judy of Rutland; his daughter Kristen Pepin of Rutland; his son Richard Jr. and his wife Abbi of Paxton; and his cherished grand and great-grandchildren—Kayla and her husband Joe Dowling of Raynham and their children, Joseph Jr. and Eloise Richee Dowing; Kathryn and Rachel Pepin; and Nathan and Lauren Wood. As well as several nieces and nephews.

Richard will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his music, his stubbornly simple taste in food, and the countless ways he showed up for the people he loved. His life was not always easy, but it was full—and he lived it with grit, laughter, and always love in his heart.

The Wood family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the entire staff on the 5th floor at the Jewish Healthcare Center and to JHC Hospice. Words cannot fully express our gratitude for the kindness, compassion, and loving care you showed Richie. The care he received was truly unmatched. Your commitment to treating him with dignity and respect will never be forgotten, and it meant more to our family than we can ever say.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Healthcare Center at: https://www.jhccenter.org/make-a-donation/memorial-contributions/

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Richie’s family from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 8th, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church, 258 Main St., Rutland, with interment following at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton.

To share a message or offer condolences, please visit his guestbook.