Paul I. Woodland, 91

June 05, 2014

Paul I. Woodland, 91, of the Long Community at Highland, Lancaster, PA, passed away on June 5, 2014 at the Bob Fryer Family Inpatient Center, Mount Joy. He was known to many friends and co-workers as “Woody”. Paul was known for his quick wit, practical jokes, positive outlook, strong bass voice, and Scrabble game skills.

He previously lived in Millersville, Lititz, Conestoga, and Kedron Park, PA. He was born on October 7, 1922 in Norristown, PA to the late Amon G. and Elizabeth Murray Woodland. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” McElrea Woodland who passed away in 1978.

He graduated from the A.D. Eisenhower High School, Norristown, PA in 1940 where he was inducted into the National Honor Society and was Editor of HI-EYE Weekly. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1943 from The Pennsylvania State University, College of Liberal Arts, State College, PA. He was Editor in Chief of the Daily Collegian, a member of Skull And Bones Society, Lions Paw Honor Society, Sigma Delta Chi, and was Head Waiter at MacAllister Hall.

He served in the U.S. Army from November 19, 1942 to June 25, 1946 concluding with service in the 1st Infantry Division as Editor in Chief of “The American Traveler” weekly European occupation newspaper.
He spent his career in journalism and broadcast promotion at the Norristown Times Herald as a reporter, KWY Radio, Philadelphia, as Promotion Manager, and with the Steinman Group at WGAL-TV, Lancaster as Promotion Manager from 1952 to 1981. He was a founding member and director of the Broadcast Promotion Association and was awarded the BPA Service Award. He also did freelance publication work and was production manager for the National Association of Television Program Executives, and assisted his wife with Association events.

He was a Charter Member of Highland Presbyterian Church, serving on the Founding/Organizing Committee, and the Memorial Garden Organizing Committee. He also served as Clerk of Session for three terms and was a faithful member of the Chancel Choir for more than 60 years. He was proud of his role in assisting Highland Church to acquire additional acreage that later became the site of his residence in his final years at the Long Community at Highland.

Paul enjoyed family activities and was a founding member with Betty of The Fiddlers Green Camping Club and The Highland Clan Campers. He served his community as President of the Manheim Township Lions Club. His hobbies included antiques, classical music, playing Scrabble with friends and family, and collecting artwork from his extensive travels in the US and abroad.

He is survived by three daughters: Margaret Roth, Lancaster; Joan W. Martin, (Timothy I.), Millersville; and Amy L. Ditko (Donald), Fairfax, VA. ; Grandchildren Corry Roth (Camille), Brandie J. Martin, Diane Ditko, and Karen Itin (Nicholas); and a brother, Kenneth Woodland (June), Roseville, CA. He also leaves a dear friend, Julia Vasilyeva, (Vadim) and a godchild, Valeria Vasilyeva, of Pskov, Russia.

He was predeceased by three sisters: Verna Elizabeth Frisco, Ruth Detwiler, and Gertrude Woodland, and three brothers: A. Wesley Woodland, Gordon C. Woodland, and David Murray Woodland.
The family acknowledges the professional and caring services of his home care workers through Central Penn Nursing Care, Inc. and of Hospice and Community Care.

A Memorial Service will be held Highland Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 10 AM. The family will receive visitors from 8:30-10 AM at the church. Interment in the Highland Memorial Garden will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be sent to Highland Presbyterian Church Music Fund at 500 E. Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601.