JAMESVILLE – Harold David Wood, “Woodie,” died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 4, 2012.
Born in Syracuse on June 22, 1921 to Harold D. and Mary Bernadine Leo Wood, he was raised by his aunt, Nina M. Wood. Woodie graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse and attended St. Michael’s College in Toronto, Canada. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942, serving as a pilot during World War II and the Korean War, and then as a fixed wing and helicopter pilot, as well as a flight instructor until his retirement in 1964. Woodie then went on to graduate from St. Michael’s College in 1965 and taught mathematics at Chittenango High School for 20 years. He had so many interests – biking, skiing, gardening, reading, carpentry, travel and good conversation. He loved to learn about and follow the interests of his family and friends, and always stayed current with a stack of newspapers, books and magazines within his reach. He skied and biked well into his 80’s, He biked 900 miles one summer from Kentucky to Fayetteville, with his son-in-law and grandson.
Woodie is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Dorothy O’Connor Wood. He and Dottie had eleven children together, which were the center of their lives. He is survived by his children, Michael Wood, Calif.; Peter (Joan) Wood, Ala.; Mary Thomas, Calif.; John Wood, Fla.; Christine (Michael) Davis, Fla.; Thomas (Jami) Wood, Fla.; Barbara (Raymond) Guerin, Maine; Andrew (Virginia) Wood, Jamesville; Ann (William) Ratcliff, Maine; son-in-law, Gaylen Schaubroek; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Mark Wood and a daughter, Dee Schaubroek.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday from St. Malachy’s Church, East State St., Sherburne.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.
To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online, go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.