Robert Wood

ROBERT A. 'WOODY' WOOD, 93 ROSCOE - Robert A. "Woody" Wood, 93, of Roscoe IL, and Largo, Florida, died Sunday, October 26, 2014. Woody was born in Lafarge, WI. His hobbies included walking, swimming, reading and continuously learning. He loved to travel with the love of his life, Jane, his wife and best friend for 65 years. Everywhere they would go he would meet new people and make new friends. Jane and Robert were married on June 14, 1949. Woody grew up in Rockford, IL, and he attended the last graduating class of Rockford Central High School. He joined the United States Marine Corp on December 8, 1941, and served in the Pacific Theater with the Fifth Marine Defense Brigade. Woody attended Northern Illinois University (NIU), and received a BA and MS in Education. He was the captain of the NIU basketball team and as of his death remains one of the school's Top Ten scorers (even before the 3 point short). Woody had the honor of being the first NIU player to play in the NBA in 1949. In his final game he scored 14 points against the Minnesota Lakers. Woody spent his entire career as an educator. He started teaching in Hinckley, IL and spent the next 30 years in the Rockford School system, retiring as the Principal of Guilford High School. He is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Linda Fizzy (Fred-deceased) her two sons, Robert Tassoni and Patrick Tassoni, son, James (Jacquelyn) and his sons, Branson, Michael and Thomas, and son, John (Amber) and his daughters, Jessica and Kirsten, together with three great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, and his sister, Judy Skibba (Thomas-deceased). Predeceased by his father, Branson; mother, Jessie; sisters, Helen Bertolasi (Paul)and Betty. Woody was a member of the American Legion, Navy Club of Rockford, Marine Corp League, VFW, Elks Club, The LLL Club. A memorial will be held from 3 to 5:30 pm. Saturday, November 1, 2014, at the American Legion Post 1207, 1011 S. Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers, send condolences to the family and/or donations to the Boys Club of America.