Gary M. Wood

Gary M. Wood     “loving, caring husband, father, and grandfather”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Gary M. Wood, 68, of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side on Tuesday (May, 31, 2016) at UPMC Hamot, Erie, after a long illness.
     Born August 9, 1947 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Medford and Doris VanBuren Wood.  On April 22, 1967 in Jasper, NY, he married Barbara A Herrick, who survives.
     In January of 1965, Gary received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps.
Gary started working at the age of 14 at Acme Supermarket in Olean and retired in 2010 at the age of 63 from Dresser Rand in Olean.
     He was a life member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department where he served for several years as fire police captain.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed metal detecting and watching Gunsmoke, but most especially loved spending time with his family.
     Surviving in addition to his wife of 49 years are his children, Cheryl (James) Minderler of Shinglehouse, Lori (Timothy) Kunkle of Rome, NY, and Christopher (Jamie) Wood of Shinglehouse; his grandchildren, Buck Jackson, Danielle Jackson, Kylee  Bachand, Jamie Minderler, James Minderler, Jr., Amanda Black, Logan Hemphill, Zackary Hemphill, Brittini Hemphill, Alysha Kunkle, Niccola Wood, Taylor Wood and Andrew Wood; eighteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (Beverly) Wood of Alaska; and a sister, Barbara Cummings of Eldred; and several nieces and nephews.
      Gary was a hard-working man and a loving and caring husband and father.  He will be missed by many but never forgotten, as he will always be in our memories and hearts until we can be together again.
     Gary was predeceased by his parents.
      A private memorial service will be held at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, with Ed Bell of Shinglehouse, officiating.
      In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 475, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.