W. Roger Wood

W. Roger Wood passed away peacefully at home on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025. Born on February 8, 1926, he was just two months shy of his 100th birthday. He is reunited with his wife of over 60 years, Betty, in eternal life. Roger is survived by his daughter, Debbie Balak (Rick) and son Randy Wood, grandchildren Tyler Balak (Jenn) and Meredith Nicholson (Rob), and great-grandchildren Noa Bess and Daisy Nicholson, Harper, and Anson Balak. He often said “Family is everything.”

Roger spent nearly his entire life in Vienna, and had a wealth of knowledge about Vienna’s history. As a building contractor, he left a legacy of many fine homes and buildings throughout the area, including the rectory of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church.

Throughout his life, Roger faced many hardships, including being raised by a single mother and his paternal grandparents, serving on a U.S. Navy destroyer that was torpedoed during World War II, and losing his hand as a young man. Despite these challenges, he transformed them into positive outcomes. Not wanting to swab decks on his Navy ship, he managed to be assigned to chart underwater obstacles and regularly set the clocks for the entire ship. After losing his hand, he was nursed by a beautiful young woman who became his lifelong partner. He embodied perseverance, famously stating, “you just do it” (long before Nike popularized the phrase) when faced with challenges.

Family and friends will remember Roger as fiercely independent, loving, generous, loyal, and honest. The family extends their gratitude to Goodwin Hospice, Mike, and the caregivers, especially Mariama, who compassionately ensured his final weeks were comfortable and peaceful.

Funeral services will be held at Money and King Funeral Home on January 9 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a time for visitation with the family immediately following the service before the departure to the National Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Vienna, Volunteer fire department, at VVFD, P.O. Box 1115, Vienna, VA 22183. https://vvfd.org/index.html