Obituaries

Ernest M. Wood, MD, 82

April 25, 2020

Dr. Ernest M. Wood, 82, passed from the caring arms of attending nurses to the loving arms of the Lord on Saturday, April 25, 2020. A victim of COVID-19 which took another life in the dark loneliness of lockdown and quarantine.

Ernie was born on May 2, 1937 to Ernest and Emily Wood in Havre de Grace, MD. He was the oldest of five children (Ernest, Donald, Barbara, Peter, & Ruth) and grew up on a poultry farm and egg-packer in North East, Maryland. Education was most important to the Wood family, and his parents sent Ernie to Salesianum Catholic High School in Wilmington, DE during the week, and back to the farm on the weekends. After graduating high school, Ernie left North East for South Bend, IN, where he attended the University of Notre Dame, in pursuit of education, faith and football. In his third year, he was offered a Medical School slot at the University of Chicago, which would mean he have to transfer from Notre Dame. His love of Our Lady’s University was so great that he turned down the offer and graduated cum laude, moving to Washington DC to attend Georgetown University Medical School.

Ernie joined the US Navy upon graduation from medical school and was commissioned an officer in the Naval Medical Corps where he completed his internship as a general surgeon and eventually, his residency as an OBGYN. He served on board the USS Tutuila (ARG4) as the ship’s doctor during the Dominican Republic invasion, and was the duty officer at Bethesda Naval Hospital the day JFK was flown back from Dallas. Ernie often talked about escorting the President’s remains, along with Bobby and Jackie, and trying to be of comfort to them during this terrible tragedy. Ernie also served in various medical roles at San Diego Naval Hospital, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and Oakland Naval Hospital. Thanks to the Navy, Ernie met a beautiful Navy Nurse, Jean Murasky, who happened to be a grade higher rank than him. After a few awkward salutes, they fell in love and got married at the small Chapel in Bethesda.

The cross-country moves of Navy life, and an ever-expanding family (three boys), and a desire to come home finally brought Ernie and Jean to Lancaster, PA in 1972. He joined the medical practice of Drs Knerr & Bashore, where they went on to grow the small office into OB-GYN of Lancaster, with multiple locations across the county. Ernie was elected by his fellow doctors to serve as the Chief of OB-GYN at Lancaster General Hospital. Over the course of Ernie’s career, he estimated that he helped over 35,000 babies come into the world. It was a joy that he never got over. His surgical skills were known by many in the profession, and his love and care of patients and their families was his first priority.

Ernie loved to spend time with his family and friends at the head of the Chesapeake Bay in and around North East, MD. He enjoyed the history of the area and spending time on the water. At home, he was an avid LCC Bogey Buster, a Lancaster Pirate, and member of the Edward Hand Medical Museum, Lancaster County Fireman’s Association, and Lancaster Historical Society. In his younger years he loved to ski and play tennis, and spent numerous hours riding his lawn tractor in perfection of a well-kept yard!

Ernie was the proud father of three boys and three daughters-in-law (David and Lisa of Lancaster, Andrew and Gina of Mendham, NJ, Jon and Suzann of Magnolia, DE) with six wonderful grandchildren and two granddaughters-in-law (Alex and Elizabeth, Andrew and Devin, Brendan, Eric, Carly, and Joshua). Ernie was most proud however, of the strength and courage his bride, Jean, as she went through the journey of Alzheimer’s. Ernie’s unwavering love and care of his wife is a shining example of commitment for us all to follow. They are now together and their love is rekindled for all of us to take comfort in.

Due to COVID restrictions on public gatherings, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held for immediate family at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in North East, MD after which both he and Jean will be interred at Hart’s Church Cemetery, in Elk Neck MD (overlooking the old homestead and Bohemia River). A Memorial Mass and celebration of Ernie’s life will be held at St Jude’s Church and Woody’s Crab House later this summer when restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) or the Mennonite Home (mennonitehome.org).

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

May 13, 2020

Dear Dave, Andy, and Jon,
Larry and I enjoyed almost forty years of friendship with your parents and I treasure the many wonderful memories of those times. May the memories you share stay in your heart and give you comfort especially during this time.
Eileen France

May 08, 2020

Dear David, Lisa, and family, I have experienced both my parents suffering before they passed and, of course, went through that long healing process. What a courageous, amazing person he was! I am proud that I knew him just a tiny bit. It would take at least 5 people, at their very best, to live the life he did. My heart and prayers are with you. Karen Hunt

May 07, 2020

Dear Ruthie and Wood family.  We were so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing.  Our prayers and deepest sympathy are for you and family during this sad time.
Carol and Bill Dale, North East

May 07, 2020

Prayers for Ernie and Jean and condolences to their family from a friend, classmate ND ’59 and Georgetown Medicine ’63
Gerald J. Bechamps, M.D.

May 07, 2020

David, Andy and Jon, So sorry to learn of the death of your Father. We were neighbors of you way back when we all lived in Mill Mar. We enjoyed knowing your Dad and  Mom. My daughters are Kristin and Laura who are about your ages. We offer our deepest sympathy to you and your families. Don Benninger
 

May 07, 2020

My deepest condolences to the entire Wood Family.  I pray that everyone will find strength in the Memories and Love  Mr Wood shared and instilled in all that was fortunate to have known him.  
Tim Haertter

May 06, 2020

We are sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. We are saddened too to know that you had to endure the added pain of not being able to be with your Dad. His obituary reflects the love he had for his family, and the family he and Jean created. May they both Rest In Peace. Lena & Jack Hohenadel 

May 06, 2020

Hi, Ruth,
Dan and I are sorry to hear of your brother’s death. From the beautifully written obituary, I can tell he was a special and wonderful man. We are sorry for your loss. 
We’re thinking of you and your family.
Dan Holloway and Cynthia Hewitt

May 06, 2020

I was really sorry to hear that Dr. Wood passed from Covid-19.  What a shame, especially since he couldn’t have his family there with him.  What a cruel situation.  I really liked him as my gynecologist.  He delivered my third child.  He was such a nice man and will be missed by many.
Melanie Lutz

May 06, 2020

 Although, Dr. Wood did not deliver any of our three children, I did, however, have several appointments with him.  I have to say that he was a most kind and caring doctor.  What an exemplemary life!   My condolences to the family.  He will truly be missed.  Mrs. Carla Martin  Lititz
 

May 05, 2020

To All Our Wood Family Cousins,
Chippy was such a special person, always caring and supportive. He gently guided our family during some difficult medical decisions with Dede, Mom, Dad & our son, Ryan. We were blessed to have him deliver 3 of our 4 children at Lancaster General. The nurses were in stitches when we called him Chippy and they used to say he would visit the nursery every day just to check on our babies. We have very fond memories of Elk Neck with the Wood family and still have photos of Chippy performing his surgical skills carving the Thanksgiving turkey! We are so sorry for your loss and pray you find comfort in your memories. He and Jean have been reunited in heaven and we are certain Tommy Brown has a good gin & tonic waiting!
God Bless, Ed & Suzy (Brown) Bailey

May 05, 2020

 
My very first memory in life took place at a Wood Family gathering in Uncle Ernie and Aunt Emily’s home.  I was three years old, amazing as it sounds.  Uncle Ernie called me “The Judge”, perhaps some of the older ones can remember how I earned that nickname. My visits to Maryland were magical and grand.  Barbara, thank you for the rides in your VW Beetle with a very groovy chick.  Peter, thank you for encouraging me to follow my dreams. Ruthie, always so sweet and funny, for bringing a cheer to my soul. Chippy and Donald, for their constant love and support of my mother Nancy.  This family, that place, mostly comprised my formative years and shaping me into the person that I am today.  My heart weeps for your loss; our loss.  Please reach out to me when you hold your summer memorial celebration, I would very much love to see everyone again and to meet all the new additions to this incredibly wonderful family of ours.
 
Bill Kennedy

May 05, 2020

5/5/20  what wonderful times the Dunns had in North East with the cousins ! I still remember Chip coming home one night with a chipped tooth and a Easter basket he won. Then there was the tobbaggon ride one night that in the am was more cow manure than snow.What a party in heaven with 2 Earnies Emily Ruth Eddie Florence Leanore Tommy Ann Father Mac !!!!

May 04, 2020

Our Dad, Tommy Brown, loved his Wood cousins, Ernie, Donald, Barbara. Peter, and Ruthie. We all called Ernie “Chip” or “Chippy” because he was a “chip off the old block” like his father, our Uncle Ernie. I have very fond memories of getting together with our Wood cousins at Uncle Ernie and Aunt Emily’s (Chip’s parents) house around the holidays.  It was always exciting. We loved to hear the old stories and then there might be some wrestling, acrobatics, tobaganning in the cowfield, a tour through their egg packing plant, and walks to the gravel pit.  Chip helped my father a lot when he was having heart trouble. Lancaster Hospital is where my Dad would seek treatment and he always listed Dr. Wood  as his doctor even though he was an OBGyn and not a cardiologist. I hope my Dad and Chip will continue to share good times in heaven. Our condolensces to Jean, David, Andy, John and the entire Wood family.

May 04, 2020

To David,Andrew,and John,
Cousin Ruth just called to give the sad news of Chip’s passing. Although it has been many years since we have all been together at my dad’s home (Uncle Tommy) it feels like yesterday.  I send prayers and condolences to you and your families. I pray that you stay healthy and safe. With much love. Ann Louise Brown Bried

May 04, 2020

Dear Dave and family:  I was sad to learn of your father’s illness and death. I am proud to have been his partner. He was an excellent physician and surgeon, loved by his patients, and respected by his peers. More importantly, he was a good man, devoted to your mother and his family. He will be missed.  God bless.
Dan and Regina Kegel

May 04, 2020

Ernie was  a wonderful guy with a big smile and a big heart. I never saw him anything but a gentleman, a caring physician and a good friend. I have so many memories of  a great friend
 So many will miss him
 Bill Young

May 03, 2020

What an amazing man! Condolences to his dear family.
Dave and Jill Hartman

May 03, 2020

We send our heartmost sympathy to the Wood family. Our prayers are with you.
Bob & Barb Wash

May 03, 2020

Sending our love and condolences Uncle Jon, Aunt Suzy, Josh and the rest of the family. 
Anita, Tony, and kids

May 03, 2020

I first met Ernie when I was an intern at LGH and he was an attending in Ob/Gyn.  Over the years he provided excellent care for our mutual patients, but what I will always remember about him, was running into him at Mennonite Home when I would be visiting my In Laws and he would be going up to visit his wife in the dementia unit.  His love for her was so very evident and you could see his heart breaking for her physical condition.  He was a great example of love and devotion, that I will never forget.  My heartfelt condolences to his family. 
William W Bakken, MD

May 03, 2020

Dr. Wood saved my life 20 years due to an extreme hemmorrhage.  I can still see his face over mine as he explained he would have to put me under again while I while I was still only half concious.  As soon as I saw his picture I recognized him immediately.  My deepest condolences go out to your entire family on your loss.
Gwen Horst

May 03, 2020

I am so very sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. Love and prayers for all of you. 
Elizabeth Parker (Bitty Wood)

May 03, 2020

“God sees from ahead,from what to us is future. What to us will be, to Him is.”
 
We send our deepest sympathies to you both and your families.  It is very clear from the memorable obit why Alex chose Notre Dame! We both remember your Dad’s presence with your family at St. Anne’s Sunday Mass.
our love, Kathleen & Joe Anders

May 03, 2020

Dear family members:
So sorry to hear of Ernie”s tragic demise.
I will always remember his active willingness to share his vast medical knowledge as we circled the golf course.  He was a respected source. And a fun guy to be around.
But his true legacy was the professional care he imparted to his patients and newborns.  What a terrific contribution.
Also a fine tribute to he and Jean is the progency they produced.
Our deepest sympathy and our prayers are with you.
Ron and Dee Smith
 

May 03, 2020

I had the privilege to work in the operating room at LGH with Dr. Wood for many years, he was a really good guy. My condolences to all who loved him.
Luanne J McDonald RN

May 03, 2020

Our condolences and love to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 
Pete and Robin Monteiro

May 03, 2020

Sincerest sympathies, he was so blessed to have such a caring and loving family.
Bridgett Daly

May 03, 2020

Dear Friend and Colleague.   R.I.P.  Buddy.    Ron & Jo Plutnicki

May 02, 2020

Dear Family,
We will dearly miss Ernie. He was a dear colleague. He has contriubted much to the care of many of my patients, for which my patients and I will be eternally grateful. His services and many hours of volunteer time he devoted to the preservation of Lancaster’s medical history over the years is very much acknowledged by the board of the Edward Hand Medical Museum.  My sincere condolances to his family. May his memory be eternal. Nik Zervanos

May 02, 2020

We are deeply grieved with your loss.   Your Father (and Mother) may have passed… but they are forever in your hearts.   Cherish the memories and know they are watching you from heaven and cheering you on.   Always know that you have our complete support and love…. forever and always.   
Ken and Fay Stauffer and Family

May 02, 2020

I extend my prayers and sympathy to the family of Ernie A classmate ND ’59.   Charles Stephens M.D.

May 02, 2020

Condolences and prayers to Ernie’s family from an ND and Georgetown classmate.
Jack Hasley

May 02, 2020

Prayers for fellow pre-med class 59′. RIP
ernest a fatta MD

Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info