Ira R. "Woody" Wood, 91, died peacefully in his sleep at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at his home at 232 Davidson St., Tarentum. He had been in failing health for two years.

Born March 8, 1914, in West Deer Township, Allegheny County, he was the son of Herbert and Laura Rittman Wood.

He was a 1932 graduate of Tarentum High School. Before moving to Tarentum six years ago, he lived in Fawn Township, Allegheny County, for most of his life.

A coal miner and entrepreneur, he established the Tour Ed Mine & Museum in Fawn Township, Allegheny County, to preserve our coal mining heritage. He also owned the Woodlawn Golf Course in Fawn Township and owned and operated a number of coal mines all his life.

Mr. Wood, also a well-known philanthropist, donated to many churches and other organizations during his lifetime.

He was a member of the Mars Masonic Lodge and enjoyed travelling, history, painting, woodcarving and antiques and antique restoration.

His wife, Frances Girded Wood, died in 1995.

Surviving are three sisters, Helen McMullen of West Deer Township, Dorothy Markich of Butler and Velma (Raymond) Neese of Mars; a brother, Francis (Mary) Wood of Ormand Beach, Fla.; numerous nieces and nephews; and his pet dog, Willie.

WOOD — Friends of Ira R. "Woody" Wood, who died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at theDUSTER FUNERAL HOME, 347 E. 10th Ave., Tarentum. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Deer Creek Cemetery, West Deer Township.Memorial contributions may be made to the church or charity of the donor's choice.