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Bob Wood, long-time advocate and friend of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, has passed away.

Bob led the strategic movement to change our United Way from a conduit to a community builder – doing what he believed no other organization could – bring the Lehigh Valley together as one community to address the human needs and issues we care about most.

Wood was a philanthropist who understood the importance of giving back to the community in which he lived and worked. 

When Bob served as campaign chairman of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, a record was set at the time, bringing in $11.3 million in donations.

In 2010, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley awarded Bob with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. This award is not given every year --- only in honor of extraordinary involvement with United Way. This award is given only to individuals or organizations who have demonstrated a lifetime of philanthropic leadership and inspiring service to the Lehigh Valley Community.

“Bob Wood was an extraordinary human being, who enriched countless of lives in the Lehigh Valley, and beyond,” said Susan Gilmore, president of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.  His gift of treasure, time and talent has made us a better organization in which to serve the needs of our community.  We will miss our dear friend and send our thoughts and well wishes to Ilene, Pat and the rest of the family.”

Bob leaves a rich legacy of community service and advocacy. While he served on the boards, and as campaign chairman, and honorary events chair for more organizations than is practical to list, Bobs shining strength was his desire and ability to bring together people to meet challenges, solve problems and recognize opportunities to improve his community. Among those organizations with whom he was proud to be associated are: The Trexler Trust, Allentown Art Museum, Muhlenberg College Board of Trustees, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Lehigh County Agriculture Society (The Allentown Fair), The Allentown YMCA-YWCA, Good Shepherd Presidents Advisory Board, Pennsylvania Special Olympics, Cystic Fibrosis Tennis Tournament, The Community Foundation, and many more.

Read Bob's full obituary in the Morning Call here.

Read the full story in the Express Times here.