Full Breakdown
Former Wawa President and CEO Richard D. Wood Jr. Dies at 88
7/14/2026, 12:11:53 PM
Core Event
Richard “Dick” D. Wood Jr., the longtime leader of the Wawa convenience-store chain, died on Friday, July 10, 2026, at age 88. The company announced his passing and described him as the “visionary and driving force” behind its business model and culture.
Background & Context
Wood was born on March 4, 1938, in Philadelphia. His great-grandfather, George Wood, opened the Wawa Dairy in 1902, and his father’s cousin, Grahame Wood, launched the first Wawa Food Market in 1964. Dick Wood joined the family business in 1970 as its first General Counsel, became President in 1977, CEO in 1980, and Chairman in 1982. He retired as Chairman and CEO in 2004, remained Chairman of the Board, and was named Chairman Emeritus in 2020 on his 50th anniversary with the company.
Key Figures & Groups
- Richard D. Wood Jr. – former President, CEO, Chairman, and later Chairman Emeritus of Wawa.
- Chris Gheysens – current Chairman and CEO of Wawa, who praised Wood’s leadership.
- Howard Stoeckel – former Vice Chairperson and President & CEO of Wawa, who highlighted Wood’s servant-leadership style.
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) – primary beneficiary of Wood’s philanthropy, hosting the Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and an endowed chair in pediatric diagnostic medicine.
- Bok Tower Gardens – Florida conservation site where Wood supported public access initiatives.
Data & Statistics
- Wood’s tenure spanned 55 years (1970-2025).
- Under his leadership, Wawa grew to approximately 900 stores across six states, adding gas stations and 24-hour service.
- The company employed more than 36,000 associates and generated over $12 billion in annual sales.
- Wawa contributed $200 million to community nonprofits and instituted a college-tuition reimbursement plan for employees.
- Wood and his family donated $25 million to CHOP in 2021, prompting the naming of multiple facilities and programs.
- In 2021, Wawa created the Dick Wood College Scholarship Fund for associates.
Why It Matters / Impact
Wood’s emphasis on “people-first” innovation shaped Wawa’s culture, employee-ownership model, and community outreach. His philanthropic focus on pediatric health care and environmental conservation left lasting institutions, such as the CHOP fetal-diagnosis center and the Bok Tower Gardens initiatives. The company’s continued growth and strong brand loyalty are widely attributed to the values he instilled.
Official Statements & Responses
Wawa officials released a statement noting Wood’s “remarkable impact on the community” and his expansion of a family tradition of philanthropy, especially toward CHOP. Chris Gheysens called Wood the “true Lead Goose” and the “guiding heart and soul of the company,” emphasizing that Wood’s approach to innovation was centered on people. Howard Stoeckel described Wood as a “true believer and practitioner of servant leadership” whose core values remain embedded in Wawa’s culture.
Criticism & Opposition
No critical or opposing viewpoints were reported in the available sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Store count varies slightly between sources (approximately 900 stores vs. 850 stores). Sales figures are reported as “over $12 billion” without a precise amount.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Dick Wood was our true Lead Goose who was the guiding heart and soul of the company,” — Chris Gheysens, Chairman and CEO, Wawa
- “Dick Wood was unlike any other CEO I’ve ever encountered. He had a special mix of heart, compassion, empathy and humility that made him a true believer and practitioner of servant leadership. With Dick, people always came first, never him,” — Howard Stoeckel, former Vice Chairperson and President & CEO, Wawa
- “Values and culture mean more in this company than being smart.” — Richard D. Wood Jr., Inc. magazine, 2018
- “He made people feel important,” — Barbara Ennis, longtime assistant to Wood
- “Madeline Bell, CEO At CHOP, said: “I will truly miss his warmth, wisdom, and generous spirit.” — Madeline Bell, CEO, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
What’s Next
On Monday, July 20, all Wawa stores will offer free coffee as a tribute to Wood’s legacy, inviting customers, associates, and community members to “toast his legacy.”
