1935 - 2021
Robert Bradley Wood of South Windsor died peacefully on July 25 with family at his side, after a brief illness. An East Hartford native, Bob attended East Hartford High School, where he was a star player on the football and baseball teams. After attending Amherst College and completing military service, as well as earning Masters Degrees from Wesleyan University and Boston University, he began his long career as an educator.
In his many years at George J. Penney High School, he taught history, chaired the Social Studies department, coached baseball and football, and served as Athletic Director at both Penney High School and East Hartford High School. He was active in his church, South Congregational Church of East Hartford, serving on many committees and as Deacon and Trustee, as well as soup chef for countless church suppers.
A long-time Rotarian, he served a term as president of the East Hartford Rotary Club, was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, and was active in their fundraising for college scholarships for deserving East Hartford students. After retirement, he lived in Glastonbury for several years before recently moving to South Windsor.
He enjoyed socializing with a wide circle of friends and traveling far and wide. Known for his sense of humor, he enjoyed reading mysteries and history, playing golf, and taking long walks with his wife of 61 years, Debby. They spent many summers at Moose Pond in Bridgton, ME, boating, mountain climbing and welcoming friends.
Born March 5, 1935, the son of the late George E. and Hazel (Bunn) Wood, he is survived by his wife Deborah (Dodge) Wood; his two sons and daughters in law, Timothy Wood and Kate Stover of Philadelphia, PA, Stephen and Ping Wood of Glastonbury, CT; grandchildren, Lydia Wood of Chicago, IL, Henry Wood of Philadelphia, PA, Jocelyn Wood and Annabel Wood both of Glastonbury, CT; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by a brother, George E. Wood Jr. of Manchester, CT.
Funeral service celebrating Bob's life will be Saturday (July 31st) at 10 am at South Congregational Church of East Hartford, 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford with Rev. Fredd Ward officiating. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. Bob's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday (July 30th) from 4-6 pm at the D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's name may be made to the East Hartford Rotary Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 380035, East Hartford, CT 06138-0035. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.