Ronald G. Wood Sr.

Ronald G. Wood, Sr., 84 of Plattsburgh, New York passed away on Saturday, October 22 at his home under the care of Hospice. Ron was born on June 7, 1938, in Plattsburgh and was a 1957 graduate of Plattsburgh High School.
Ronald served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959. During his time stationed at Fort Devens in Massachusetts, he met the love of his life, Sharon Hammer. While serving in Korea and North Carolina, Ron and Sharon continued their courtship through letters. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Ron and Sharon were married in Wollaston, Massachusetts and settled in his hometown of Plattsburgh, where they raised their family. His career was in floor covering and he was a co-owner of Wood’s Floor Covering—a family business started by his father in 1940. Ron also established himself as the first Singing Santa of the North Country. Over the span of 50 years, Ron and his family entertained thousands of people throughout the North Country and Vermont during the Christmas season. For many years of his life, he was actively involved in the Kiwanis Club. Ron rose in the ranks of leadership at Kiwanis eventually serving as Lt Governor. Ron also served many years on the board of the Vilas Home and was proud to be involved during the time of the Vilas Home’s first expansion project. Those who knew him well are aware that he excelled in sports in high school. He was inducted into the Plattsburgh High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005 for his long-standing, unbroken record from 1957 (at Plattsburgh High School) in Track and Field—Shot Put—51’ 5 ½”. Later in Ron’s life, for many years he served as a Chaplain at the American Legion, Post 20.
One of Ron’s most important life achievements was his involvement and membership in the Plattsburgh Church of the Nazarene. As a young teenager, he and his brother loaded and hauled 96 loads of stone to be used to build the church that is located on Broad Street in Plattsburgh. In 1953, Ron sang at the dedication service of the new building. In the 1970’s, Ron and Sharon were leaders of the Nazarene children’s church. It was then that they established the Junior Choir where for many years they directed wonderful musicals that were performed by the kids for the congregations. Most notably though, it was Ron’s beautiful bass baritone voice that inspired and ministered to the many people attending the church and other venues where he performed throughout his life.
Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sharon and his children, Cynthia (David) Kimmel, Michelle (Chris) Rowell, and Ronald (Jennifer) Wood. Ron will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Patricia Kimmel, Rebecca Bell, Benjamin Kimmel, Christopher Rowell, Gabrielle Rowell, Ryan Wood, Devin Wood, and 7 great-grandchildren, a sister, Shirley (Robert) Smith, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Florence (McBride) Wood and his brother, Courtland Wood.
A memorial service celebrating the Life Legacy of Ronald G. Wood, Sr., will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Plattsburgh Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 am. Flowers can be delivered to the Plattsburgh Nazarene Church on November 26 at 9:00 am.