Grant Wood

Grant B. Wood died at home in Gulf Breeze, Fl. on August 16, 2017 surrounded by his wife and family after a long illness. He was 80.

Mr. Wood is survived by his wife Miriam, his five children; Grant J. Wood (Lori), Kathy Silva, Michael Wood (Michelle), Maureen Vester (John), and Kathleen Patrick. His grandchildren Carly Braddock [[][[]][[][[]]]husband Brandon], Cassidy, and Grant (Grant); Alexander and Anthony (Kathy); Michael and Daniel (Michael); Sarah and Melissa (Maureen), and his brother Gary J. Wood (Judy). He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Grant and Marguerite, and a brother James Wood.

Grant was born with his twin brother James "Jimmy" on June 27, 1937 to parents Grant and Marguerite Wood in Peekskill N.Y. He lived his early years in Manchester Ct, and graduated in 1955 from Manchester High School. After graduation, he served the United States Marine Corps for three years where he earned a college equivalency certificate in aviation electronics and radar systems.

In 1959 he joined IBM, the company to which he devoted his entire working life. Early in his career he was involved with computer systems vital to the New York Stock Market and NASA's Apollo 11 space mission. He also held positions as an Educator, Senior Engineer, and Senior Staff Analyst for the company prior to retiring in 1989 after 30 years of service.
In addition to family, the most important element in his life; Mr. Wood played a key role with the boys' and girls' age group swimming programs in the towns of Kingston N.Y, Danbury, and New Fairfield Conn. where he assisted numerous young men and women in having successful swimming careers. He also enjoyed working on automobiles, riding his motorcycles, camping in the family's trailer, boating on Candlewood Lake, golfing, or flying his Cessna to Martha's Vineyard on a Saturday morning for lunch with the love of his life, his wife Miriam.

A funeral is scheduled at St. Anne's Catholic Church on Hwy 98 in Gulf Breeze Florida on September 8, 2017 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow immediately afterward. There will be no viewing. All are welcome to come and celebrate Grant's life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a contribution to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Emerald Coast Hospice.

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