Obituary of Robert W. Wood

Robert William Wood, Jr.

Robert William Wood, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on July 12, 1942, he was known to many as Bob, Woody, and “Mr. Bob.”

Robert was the devoted husband of Diane Marie Salzler Wood, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Together, they built a life grounded in love, family, and shared dedication. He was a proud and loving father to Dale Wood, Robert Wood II, Susan Wood Kane, and Faith Wood Dover, and a welcoming father-in-law to Ellen Freitas Wood, Christopher Kane, and Robert Dover.

Robert earned his General Educational Development (GED) certificate on April 13, 1972, reflecting his perseverance and commitment to self-improvement. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from January 1960 through May 1963, where he served as a Chief Boiler Operator, a role requiring discipline, technical skill, and responsibility.

Throughout his life, Robert held various jobs, but his favorite was serving as a bus driver for Eden Central Schools, where he enjoyed working with children and being an active part of the school community.

Above all else, Robert was a family man who found great joy in being involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. He loved golfing, coaching his children’s softball and baseball teams, bowling, playing cards, and camping with his family, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and togetherness. He was known for fixing just about anything that needed repair—earning him the title of the family’s “Mr. Fix-It.” With his humor and easygoing nature, Robert was a truly fun-loving man who brought warmth wherever he went.

He is survived by his grandchildren: Katherine Wood (Seth Hiser), Jessica Wood (Noah Bourne), William Wood, Andrew MacQueen (Jessica MacQueen), Justin MacQueen (Tia MacQueen), Melissa MacQueen Poysta, Molly Kane Reilly (Devin Reilly), Megan Kane, Maura Kane, Logan Dover, and Emma Dover. He was a cherished great-grandfather to Mabel Hiser, Brody MacQueen, Savannah MacQueen, Finn MacQueen, and Luca Poysti.

Robert was preceded in death by his grandson, Nicholas Dover, and his grandson-in-law, Robert Poysti.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Buffalo, c/o Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 590, Buffalo, NY 14240-0590.

Robert will be remembered for his generous spirit, strong work ethic, deep love of family, and the many roles he fulfilled—as a husband, father, grandfather, coach, mentor, and friend. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the countless memories they will forever treasure.