Woodrow "Woody" Nightingale, Sr., 82, of Lonaconing, MD, passed away and was finally reunited with his wife and love of his life, Elaine, on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Egle Nursing Home.

Born March 26, 1943, in Frostburg, Maryland, he is the son of the late Daniel and Agnes Nightingale. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Nightingale; his in-laws, Rich and Nellie Moffatt; siblings, Bill Nightingale (Donnie), Norma Jean Daniels (Charles), Shirley Smith (John), Paul Nightingale (Shirley), Bob Nightengale (Sharon); daughter-in-law, Sue Ann Nightingale; brothers-in-law, Jennings Hott, Richard (Dickie) Moffatt and Jim Moffatt (Barbara); and niece, Susan Moffatt.

Woody graduated from Valley High School in 1961. He then went on to proudly serve his country as a Military Police Officer and made the rank of Sergeant (E-5) with the U.S. Army Reserves, Company B, 336 Battalion. He worked as an HVAC electrician at Joe Serna Co. and later Squires Electric until his retirement in his late 70s.

He was a founding member of the George's Creek Ambulance Service, was an active member of the Lonaconing Lions Club, and was a dedicated volunteer firefighter for over forty years, faithfully and loyally serving as Chief of his local fire department for many of those years. He proudly served alongside his firefighter son, Woody Jr.--the two often had a friendly, unspoken competition to see who would be the first one out the door or on the scene for a call. He was also a member of the Maryland State Fireman's Association and was member of the Fire Police. Woody took great pride in his years of volunteer service and dedicated most of his adult life to helping others.

He is survived by his children and their families: a son, Woody Nightingale, Jr. (Becki and her children Levi, Bethany, Jake, Rachel and family); two daughters, Leslie Nightingale (Tim Diggs and his children Sondra, Tara and families) and Paula Nightingale (Todd Bennett); as well as his grandchildren, Dylan Bennett and Katie Bennett, and his "boys," Harrison and Lain (Mac) Bennett, who gave him life again after Elaine's death and filled his days with laughter and happiness. They were his pride and joy.

Woody is also survived by his siblings, Danny Nightengale (Millie), Louise Hott, and Jack Nightingale (Emma); and his large extended family made up of numerous nieces and nephews.

Woody was an honorable man who dedicated his life to his family and to community service. He kept the promise he made to Elaine 21 years ago on her passing to live and take care of their children, and that he did with unwavering grace and immense love. He passed his and Elaine's love of Ocean City and the beach, where they vacationed every year with their children, on to his grandchildren, who loved spending time with him at "Pappy's beach." He spent many years vacationing with his grandchildren in Ocean City and loved every minute of the chaos. He also loved having his grandsons spend a week or more with him during the summer at what the boys called "Pappy's Boot Camp," during which time he took great joy in teaching them how to shoot a bow and arrow and guns (over their mother's objection), watching Mac play soccer at camp, watching movies with Harrison curled up by his side, and introducing them to Coney Island hotdogs and buying them bags of candy at the Fruit Bowl.

Woody was lovingly cared for by his devoted daughter, Leslie. Despite his rough exterior, Woody depended on Leslie, especially in his later years, and was grateful for her unending love and care. Leslie gave her Dad a beautiful life and her siblings and nephews would like to thank her for all she did for their dad/Pap.

The family would also like to thank the staff and residents at Egle Nursing Home for the great care and community they provided to Woody for the last three and a half years.

In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated.

Visitation will be at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave, Cumberland, Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A memorial service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. with Chaplain Jim Kasecamp officiating.

Interment will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Moscow, Maryland, where he will be laid to rest by his wife. A private graveside service, officiated by Paul Nightingale and Jim Hott, will include Military Honors.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to the Lonaconing Lions Club, PO Box 174, Lonaconing, MD 21539; or Egle Nursing and Rehab Center, Attn: Activities Department, 57 Jackson Street, Lonaconing, MD 21539.