Born March 31st, 1931 in the Tioga County village of Bungy, he was the son of Arthur and Alice (Campbell) Wood. The family relocated to Alba where Phil attended the Canton Area Schools. Following his graduation from Canton High School Phil enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Roosevelt, and his home ports were Baltimore, MD and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Following his return to civilian life Phil was employed as a corrections officer at the Bradford County Correctional Facility. While attending a dance one evening he met a girl named Sally Soper. They were married in 1961 and shared fifty years until Sally’s passing. Phil enjoyed wood working and was an accomplished cabinet maker. He was a Past Governor of Canton Lodge #429, L.O.O.M., as well as a member of Canton Post #714 V.F.W., Canton Post #303 American Legion and the Red Run Rod & Gun Club. Phil was a soft spoken, laid-back man with a heart of gold and pleasant demeanor who warmed up to people easily. He had a marvelous sense of humor, accompanied by a perpetual twinkle in his eye and mischievous grin. He could dish out good natured “ribbing” with the best of them, and he could take it as well in a sportsman-like manner. Nothing ever seemed to phase him, and he always seemed to have a kind word for everyone.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 A.M. Friday, May 4th at Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, 94 N. Center Street, Canton. Service will be at 11 o’clock with Rev. Charlotte Morse officiating. Interment will follow in Bradford County Memorial Park. (www.morseandkleesefuneralhome.com)