Douglas Elliot Woods, 73, passed away Thursday, Oct. 19. 2023, at Allegheny General Hospital. His loving family was by his side. Doug was a graduate of Burrell Senior High School, Class of 1968. He and his wife had recently enjoyed attending their 55th high school class reunion. Doug graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BA in English and an MFA in English literature. Upon graduation he began teaching at Butler Area Intermediate High School where he remained for over 25 years. He received many accolades and honors throughout his career and was still in touch with a few former students. He also taught evening and summer courses at Westmoreland County Community College for 17 years. In the early 90s, Doug began to teach fiction writing at the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts, a prestigious summer program for high school artists. During these summers, Doug made many lifelong friends. Doug was eventually named director of the program, a position that he held until the unfortunate cut of state funding in 2008. Doug was also a talented jazz percussionist and played with several Pittsburgh and local ensembles. Music, reading, and travel became lifelong passions. Doug derived his greatest joy in life from his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Aimee Rae (Haser) Woods. Doug and Aimee began their love story in high school and, after graduating college; they married and raised their two girls in Upper Burrell. Doug is survived by his daughter, Alexis Rae (Woods) Wisniewski, son-in-law, Jason Michael Wisniewski, their sons, Calvin and Baron, and daughter, Lillian. Also surviving is daughter, Alison Mae (Woods) Hall, son-in-law, Michael Kenneth Hall, and son, Devon Bunch; a brother, Jeffrey Woods (Mary-Sue), of Virginia Beach, Va.; brother-in-law, Ralph (Lisa) Haser, of New Kensington; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Shirley Mae (Hunger) Woods; and brother-in-law, Eric Z. Haser. Per Doug's wishes, arrangements are private and being handled by SLATER FUNERAL HOME, New Kensington.

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Published by The Valley News Dispatch on Oct. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Woods

39 Entries

Bob Steimle

October 13, 2025

Hard to believe it's been 2 years. Doug was a good person and an excellent drummer. I'm sure he is missed

Ryan Love, Butler '01

December 10, 2024

Mr. Woods was a great teacher. I've been an English teacher myself for two decades now, and I am absolutely passing his lessons on. It turns out that there are still too many being verbs in student writing.
Many thanks, Mr. Woods.

Crystal P

October 30, 2024

My sincerest condolences to all of you, his family and friends.

Of course you will not see what I'm about to type, but I feel I need to say it anyway, to help keep your memory alive.

Mr. Woods - unfortunately, I came across this looking for a contact number for you so I could share with you the profound impact you've had (and continue to have) on my life. You are a special human who pushed his students toward everything they didn't know they were capable of. And you awakened in me, a math lover to the core, a passion for the systematic side of language. (Strunk & White is still my north star!)

Thank you for the lasting impression you've had on me and so many hundreds (thousands!?) of others who appreciated your guidance and faith in our abilities. I am better for knowing you. You are missed, sir.

Ron Nelson

May 25, 2024

I just learned of Doug´s passing upon receiving my Spring issue of IUP Magazine. Doug and I were roommates in Oakland Hall in our freshman year at IUP. Unfortunately we didn´t stay in touch after graduation, and we both embarked on our careers. We did get together at our 10th Burrell HS class reunion, but that was the last I attended. I am sorry I could not express my condolences earlier to Aimee and her family. I am impressed, but not surprised, to learn of Doug´s lifetime accomplishments and the impact he had in shaping his students´ lives. - Ron Nelson

Bonnie (Datt) McDonald

February 17, 2024

I came across this obituary late and with great sadness. I always meant to reach out to Mr. Woods to tell him how big an impact he had on my life but I think still worried, almost 40 years later, that I had never lived up to the expectations he had of me. He was hands down my best -- and my most challenging -- teacher, and I still remember so, so much from his English class, which was so much more more than English. ("Cosmic Mickey Mouse, people!" "It's like stock in IBM -- you can't go wrong!")

Paul Krusper, Lower Burrell PA

January 23, 2024

In rather 70's I played in the house band at the Holiday Inn in New Kensington. Whenever we needed a drummer to fill in we would call Doug to fill in. He would be there in a heartbeat to play with us. No practice no nothing. When he played. We were all in awe. His playing was just remarkable and I still think about how good he was all the time even though it was so long ago. We lost track of he other but I see he had a remarkable life. Please accept my condolences on his passing and may he rest in peace.

Jeanne (Hecker) Vollmer

October 23, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss Aimee. Blessing and Love to you and your family.

It is inspiring to know that your relationship began so long ago and continues to this day. I am sure he is ever present in your heart.

Julia Thrower, BHS Class 2001

Planted Trees

Becky Jageman (Rockey)

October 23, 2023

He made the difference in so many young people especially mine! Amy and girls my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember babysitting you girls and was truly blessed to have Doug and Amy in my life. With my deepest sympathy, Becky Jageman (Rockey) class of 1987

Maggie Carr

October 22, 2023

PGSA was the most formative experience of my life, and so much of it was due to Doug´s pride, joy, and care for our class of Govies. I´ll never forget him reading "our revels now are ended" on the last night. He gave us so much - thank you to his family for sharing him with us each summer.

Tom Bennitt

October 22, 2023

Mr. Woods was an exceptional and formative teacher. My condolences.

Lori Forter Ridyard

October 22, 2023

Mr. Woods changed my life. He continually challenged me and pushed me to the next level, making me a better reader, writer and critical thinker. I can´t imagine that I would have made it to and through law school without his training and guidance. Mr. Woods is the teacher that made a tremendous difference, and I am forever grateful.

Dan Forter

October 22, 2023

Mr. Woods, who I can never refer to as Doug or Douglas, was a human cathedral of education and learning. When I encountered his classroom, there was an immediate air of seriousness and a degree of reverence for the man who held the role of teacher. Within a few days, it became obvious that the level of teaching and what was expected of me would rise from a high school level to a college level. Hits talent and demeanor allowed his high demands and expectations to go unchallenged by the student body. He held that rare combination of talent, passion, and selflessness that converts students into adults.

There are assignments from that class that I have not forgotten. The most famous were the 500-word essays that he expected us to write, have type-written, and submit the day after the assignment was given. Inwardly, I was incredulous at having to take books home and actually work at something. Outwardly, I, along with the rest of the class, complied.

Mr. Woods never shied away from difficult situations. He put a lectern with a microphone and speaker in front of the classroom and had us presenting our papers and amateur works of literature to the rest of the class. It was a brilliant move that created peer pressure while helping us overcome the fear of public speaking.

I learned years ago that he was not just a teacher, but a percussionist. This elevated him to a level far above any of teachers that came before or after Mr. Woods. In my circle of high school friends, his legend lives on.

Mr. Woods - You are loved and admired by your former students and, I´m quite certain, your family. Thank you for preparing me for a challenging four years in higher education. Yours was a life well lived.

Jeff & Mary Sue Woods

October 22, 2023

Our deepest condolences to Aimee, Alexis, Alison and their families. May you find comfort in sharing wonderful memories during this time of grief. May Doug rest in peace and free of pain. Love, Jeff, Mary Sue, Bill, Lisa and family.

Joseph Mauro

October 21, 2023

Mr. Woods changed my life. We had an assignment about which university we may attend. He made me stay after and lectured me to aim higher. Too much to list here but I've been looking for him for awhile to say thank you.

Dennis Livrone

October 21, 2023

We were next door neighbors of the Woods' on Arizona Drive as kids. I always admired Doug's brilliance as a percussionist. Condolences to the family. RIP

Jeff Woods

October 21, 2023

Jeff Woods

October 21, 2023

Jeff Woods

October 21, 2023

Jeff Woods

October 21, 2023

Jeff Woods

October 21, 2023

Jeff Woods

October 21, 2023

Happy Trails Doug!
Thanks for the memories!!

Jennifer(Baldauff) Johnston

October 21, 2023

I adored Mr. Woods as a teacher, in fact he was my favorite of all! I had him for English class in 86' and got the opportunity to travel with a group of students to Europe that year with he as one of our chaperone's. On a funny note it was such a surprise to see him wearing jeans over there compared to his usual classroom attire. Great memories!! My condolences to the Wood's family and friends.

The Cardo & Myslicki Families

Planted Trees

Cathy & Ben Wisniewski

Planted Trees

Herb Thompson

October 21, 2023

Doug was a highly respected colleague while we both taught English at the Butler Area School District. He was the consummate professional and had a wry sense of humor. He was dedicated to the task and committed to his students.

BJ Shields

October 20, 2023

My sincere condolences to Doug's family and close friends. Always the gentleman, I recall his daily dinners at Matthew's Trattoria, and how he would always shake hands with the staff and palm us a generous gratuity. A gracious host and guest, I remember those days fondly.

Randall Allen

October 20, 2023

I'm sorry to hear this about your dad! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Rich Cohen

Planted Trees

Darin and Mary

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BRENDA BROOKS

October 20, 2023

Doug and I were friends in high school and graduated the same year. It is with great sadness loosing a great friend and classmate. Our class of 1968 had a special friendship bond. No matter how far away we are from each other that bond will stay with us forever. God now has a special angel. Doug you will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. Brenda (Minnick) Brooks

Tera (Clark) Luedde

October 20, 2023

Mr. Woods was a class act, well spoken, polite, dressed impeccably, always put his family first, passionate towards his students and the Governors School, and a joy to be around. It was a pleasure teaching his daughters dance and getting to know him and his beautiful family. Many fond memories of the Woods Family!

My deepest condolences. Sending light and love to all who knew him.

Jeff Woods

October 19, 2023

Sitting on the limb of an Apple tree in our back yard on Arizona Dr., listening to the LB HS drum core practice their "Street Beat" at Stuart School. Pretty sure that´s where Doug found his love of percussion. We could actually feel the music as it ricocheted off the school walls. Miss you Doug.

Gwenn and Cathy

Planted Trees

DIANA/JOSEPH WALTERS

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Joy, Nikki, Dana & Kelly

Planted Trees

Heidi Madden

October 19, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I love you all and blessed to have you and Doug as Family.

Bob Steimle

October 19, 2023

Doug was an excellent jazz drummer who I had the pleasure of playing with in High School. Even at a young age, Doug portrayed solid, strong personal standards and values.