Thomas J. ('Tom') Woods

Thomas (Tom) Joseph Woods, age 92 , resident of Schuylkill Center, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, formerly a resident at 1601 Center Street, Ashland, Pennsylvania, passed away on 26 June 2010. He died of complications after a long illness at Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Mr. Woods was born on 20 February 1918 in Girardville, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph and Mary Woods. Tom was a well-known musician who began playing the saxophone professionally at age 13. He studied with the Dorsey brother's father. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School, Girardville, Pennsylvania. Tom married Esther Elizabeth Tiley 69 years ago on 21 June 1941. Tom was employed with the Reading Railroad and later as an agent with the Prudential Insurance Company. He continued playing with bands and groups professionally throughout his life to include the Danville Community Band, Williamsport Consistory Teteque Band, Al Awad Band (popular band of the '30s and '40s), Shamokin Band, lead tenor sax with the Cressona Jazz and Concert Band, Rockettes, first alto sax with Joe Mooney's Band at McGrath's Tavern in Lost Creek from 1930 to 1937. Mr. Woods was a member of the B.P.O.E. (Elks Club) Ashland, Pennsylvania and was a past Exalted Ruler. As an accomplished musician Tom played in the Danville Community Band, Catawissa Military Band, High Hats of Berwick, TTQ Band, Williamsport, Mahanoy City Legion Band, Cressona Band, Pine Grove Community Band, Shamokin OUR Band, Bob Bernatonis Band, Freeland Band, Perseverence Jazz Band and the Dixiland Band. Tom is survived by his wife Esther of Schuylkill Center, Pottsville; daugher Barbara and husband Bill Ross of Bonita Springs, Florida and Centreville, Virginia; daughter Claire and husband Bob Karlicek,Moon LakeNew York; son Dan and wife Marian of Hollywood, Florida. Tom is survived by the following grandchildren Pamela Porcaro, North Hills, California; Suzy Groseclose, Bristow, Virginia; Bill Ross Jr., Herndon, Virginia; Laura Feitner, New York City; Kristen Coughlin, Morris Plains, New Jersey, Erin Flores, Troy, New York; Amanda Martin, Charlotte, North Carolina; Rob Karlicek, Stockton, New Jersey. Tom is survived by the following great-grandchildren Mac, Jake and Cal Groseclose, Bristow, Virginia; Dominic and Michaela Porcaro, North Hills, California; Joseph, Adela and John Coughlin, Morris Plains, New Jersey; Elijah and Jazmine Martin, Charlotte, North Carolina., Rob Karlicek. Mr. Woods is survived by a brother, Joseph Woods, El Cajon, California; a sister Jean Woods, Toms River, New Jersey and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary Woods, a sister Eileen Butler and a brother Jackie Woods. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, Ashland, PA at 10:00 AM Tuesday June 29,2010. Rev. John W. Bambrick officiating. Interment at Christ Church Cemetery Ft. Springs, PA. Visitation Monday evening 6:00-8:00 PM from the Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ashland and Tuesday 8:30-9:30 AM from the Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ashland, PA . Visit our website at www.kullfuneral.comVisitation:Monday, June 28, 2010
Events

Service

Tuesday, June 29, 2010
10:00AM
St. Joseph's Church
11th & Walnut Street
Ashland, PA 17921

Final Resting Place

Christ Church Cemetery
Broad Street
17921, PA 17921-1243

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