Dick Wood died on Friday, July 10. He began his career at Wawa in 1970 as the company’s first General Counsel, the company said in a statement, at the encouragement of Grahame Wood, his father’s cousin and the founder of the first Wawa Food Market.
He went on to lead Wawa for more than five decades as president, CEO and chairman.
Wawa officials said that Wood proudly carried on a legacy of innovation and loyalty that traces back to his great-grandfather, George Wood, who opened the Wawa Dairy in 1902.
“Dick Wood was our true Lead Goose who was the guiding heart and soul of the company,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s Chairman and CEO. “He is the reason why Wawa is the company we are today and why we enjoy so much share of heart from our customers and dedication from our associates. Dick had a profound approach to innovation and business that was truly centered on people, and it’s a philosophy we will all work to carry forward. I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside and learn lessons from Dick. He will forever live on at Wawa in all our hearts.”
George’s grandson Grahame Wood opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 and later brought Dick into the family business.
Dick became President in 1977, CEO in 1980 and in 1982 he became Chairman and CEO. He remained Chairman and CEO until his retirement in 2004, after which he remained Chairman of the Board of Directors. In 2020, upon reaching his 50th anniversary at Wawa, Dick was appointed Chairman Emeritus.
Also, Wawa officials said Wood had “a remarkable impact on the community and he expanded and grew his family tradition of philanthropy.”
Visit www.wawa.com/tribute to learn more about Dick’s legacy.
On Monday July 20, coffee will be free in all Wawa stores, officials said, as a way to honor Dick Wood and toast his legacy including customers, associates and communities across our chain.