With profound sadness we announce that our beloved son and brother, Stephen W. Hood, passed away from injuries sustained in a vehicular accident on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, on Route 209 outside of Lansford.

Born Friday, November 11, 2005 in Allentown, Stephen is survived by: mother, Jenny (Reynolds) Hood and father, Ronnie Hood; brother, Brad Hood; maternal grandmother, Joyce Reynolds; Auntie Lynn Richards. Aunts: April Craig (Sean); Crystal Hood; and Kimberly Jackson (Chris). His beloved dog, Ziggy. Many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends from all walks also survive Stephen.

Stephen was predeceased by paternal grandparents, Ronald B. and Edna (Whitehead) Hood; uncle, David W. Hood; maternal grandfather, Bruce Reynolds; and his first dog Gendry.

A 2024 Panther Valley High School graduate, Stephen was a phenomenal student athlete. Starting his baseball career in Little League, the team went on to win the 9- and 10-year-old District 18 Little League title in 2016 ---a first for the Panther Valley area. After Little League, Stephen built his baseball skills by playing with various travel teams. Jenny and Ronnie spent countless weekends and logged many miles as they escorted their boys up and down the East Coast. As a high school athlete, Stephen started all 4 years on the varsity baseball team, helping his teammates win four Schuylkill League Division 3 Championships and one District 11 title in 2022. BRCTV recognized his prowess by naming him their Athlete of the Spring Sports Season.

Equally talented in basketball, Stephen started playing Youth Basketball in second grade. He continued to follow his passion throughout junior and senior high school becoming the third leading scorer in PV history with 1123 career points.

Upon graduation, Stephen earned a scholarship and was currently a pitcher for the Kutztown University Bears Baseball team. Scholastically, he was a Business major with an emphasis in Marketing and an integral part of the Golden Bears community where he was fondly known as “Hoody”.

Stephen was fortunate to share these experiences with his brother Brad and enjoyed the benefit of playing “up” on many teams. They were quite a competitive duo on the field and court. The brothers enjoyed the great gift of true friendships, playing with the same group from childhood. These young men are now lifelong friends. The Hood home was never quiet. A revolving door of friends and famous poker games were a testament to Stephen and Brad’s magnetism. Stephen was Coal Region Proud, and the #11 jersey will be impossible to fill.

An ardent Philadelphia sports fan, he could provide full commentary on any game or season. Additionally, Stephen loved to cook and took pleasure in whipping up a meal for his family and surprising his mom with a Mother’s Day dinner.

A Celebration of Stephen’s Life will be held on Tuesday December 30, 2025 from 4 to 8:00 P.M at the Panther Valley Intermediate School gym – Stephen’s home court. The school is located at 678 Panther Pride Drive, Lansford Pennsylvania 18232. To honor Stephen, please feel free to wear your favorite sports team’s apparel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Stephen W. Hood Memorial Fund and sent in care of Jenny Hood, 37 Centre Street Lansford, Pennsylvania 18232 or in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences or a fond memory may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668- 2550