Obituary for Gary Charles Wood
Gary Charles Wood, 74, of Carroll Valley, PA died on Wednesday February 1, 2017 at his home as a result small cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer. He fought his illness with grace and good humor and viewed every day as a gift to be treasured. He was the beloved husband of Althea Matthews Wood, his wife of thirty years.
Gary was born in Baltimore, MD. During his childhood he lived in Texas and California and later he and his family returned to live in the Baltimore area. He served in the United States Marine Corps, First Marine Division, Headquarters, Da Nang from 1966-1968. Upon completion of his tour of duty in Vietnam, he joined the Maryland Army National Guard. When Gary returned to civilian life he worked for the MD Forest Service as a forest ranger. Then he was employed by the MD Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services where he advanced to the position of Deputy Chief Fire Marshal. He was a member of the bomb squad and was a hazardous materials specialist. He received specialized training from many sources including the FBI Academy at Quantico and the US Army Missile & Munitions School in Huntsville, Alabama. Gary served on special assignments with the US Secret Service and Military Explosive Ordinance Disposal providing security during the administrations of Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter. He worked on security teams protecting Governors Mandel, Lee and Hughes. Gary worked as a consultant to the National Fire Academy, assisting with the development of the arson investigation curriculum. He was an adjunct instructor at Catonsville Community College where he taught courses in arson and criminal investigation. In the early 1980s, Gary operated Maryland Instrument Company, purchasing and selling high frequency electronic test equipment to retail dealers throughout the United States. In 1986, he joined the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office working in the training and budget office, and later with the DARE program. He retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 1994. Gary was proud that he served his country, state and county. He then worked as director of security at the FSK Mall and then director of security at Xerox Document University in Leesburg, VA.
Gary and Althea moved to Carroll Valley where they enjoyed living a quiet life at the edge of the woods observing the deer, birds and occasional bear that traveled through the back yard. He loved animals, especially his rescue cats, Farrell, Diamond and Sunny. He enjoyed spending time with his family and golfing. He and Althea enjoyed travel. Gary was always ready for an adventure. In his 70s he zip lined and hiked in the rainforests of Costa Rica, parasailed in the Bahamas, and enjoyed whale watching in Puerto Vallarta.
In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by daughters: Shannon Neubauer and husband Christopher, Kelly Betz and husband Michael, grandchildren: Jacob and Kaitlyn Neubauer, Zoey and Sophie Betz, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Douglas and Emily Matthews, Richard and Karen Matthews, David and Laurie Rerko and sister-in law, Susan Wood, nieces and nephews: Tabatha Barmann, Brittany Wood, Daniel and Carol Matthews, Scott Matthews and Kate Cavanaugh, Jenifer Mackley, Kathryn Rerko, Christopher Rerko , great-niece Breanna Mackley and step-father Ray Lind.
Passing before Gary are his mother, Rose Lind, sister Donna Tudor, brother Donald Wood and mother and father in law, Marshall and Leonis Matthews.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Ike Akunyili , Dr. William Daiber , the nursing staff at Wellspan Oncology Infusion Center and Spirit Trust Lutheran Hospice staff for the compassionate care Gary received during his illness.
Graveside services will be held at Fairfield Union Cemetery on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM, Reverend Larry Eby will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Adams County SPCA, 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
The Monahan Funeral Home is Fairfield is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online tributes and condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com
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Gary was born in Baltimore, MD. During his childhood he lived in Texas and California and later he and his family returned to live in the Baltimore area. He served in the United States Marine Corps, First Marine Division, Headquarters, Da Nang from 1966-1968. Upon completion of his tour of duty in Vietnam, he joined the Maryland Army National Guard. When Gary returned to civilian life he worked for the MD Forest Service as a forest ranger. Then he was employed by the MD Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services where he advanced to the position of Deputy Chief Fire Marshal. He was a member of the bomb squad and was a hazardous materials specialist. He received specialized training from many sources including the FBI Academy at Quantico and the US Army Missile & Munitions School in Huntsville, Alabama. Gary served on special assignments with the US Secret Service and Military Explosive Ordinance Disposal providing security during the administrations of Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter. He worked on security teams protecting Governors Mandel, Lee and Hughes. Gary worked as a consultant to the National Fire Academy, assisting with the development of the arson investigation curriculum. He was an adjunct instructor at Catonsville Community College where he taught courses in arson and criminal investigation. In the early 1980s, Gary operated Maryland Instrument Company, purchasing and selling high frequency electronic test equipment to retail dealers throughout the United States. In 1986, he joined the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office working in the training and budget office, and later with the DARE program. He retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 1994. Gary was proud that he served his country, state and county. He then worked as director of security at the FSK Mall and then director of security at Xerox Document University in Leesburg, VA.
Gary and Althea moved to Carroll Valley where they enjoyed living a quiet life at the edge of the woods observing the deer, birds and occasional bear that traveled through the back yard. He loved animals, especially his rescue cats, Farrell, Diamond and Sunny. He enjoyed spending time with his family and golfing. He and Althea enjoyed travel. Gary was always ready for an adventure. In his 70s he zip lined and hiked in the rainforests of Costa Rica, parasailed in the Bahamas, and enjoyed whale watching in Puerto Vallarta.
In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by daughters: Shannon Neubauer and husband Christopher, Kelly Betz and husband Michael, grandchildren: Jacob and Kaitlyn Neubauer, Zoey and Sophie Betz, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Douglas and Emily Matthews, Richard and Karen Matthews, David and Laurie Rerko and sister-in law, Susan Wood, nieces and nephews: Tabatha Barmann, Brittany Wood, Daniel and Carol Matthews, Scott Matthews and Kate Cavanaugh, Jenifer Mackley, Kathryn Rerko, Christopher Rerko , great-niece Breanna Mackley and step-father Ray Lind.
Passing before Gary are his mother, Rose Lind, sister Donna Tudor, brother Donald Wood and mother and father in law, Marshall and Leonis Matthews.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Ike Akunyili , Dr. William Daiber , the nursing staff at Wellspan Oncology Infusion Center and Spirit Trust Lutheran Hospice staff for the compassionate care Gary received during his illness.
Graveside services will be held at Fairfield Union Cemetery on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM, Reverend Larry Eby will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Adams County SPCA, 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
The Monahan Funeral Home is Fairfield is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online tributes and condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com
Previous Events
Graveside
Saturday
4
Feb
11:00 AM
Fairfield Union Cemetery
West Main St.
Fairfield, PA 17320
Cemetery Details
Location
Fairfield Union Cemetery
West Main St.
Fairfield, PA 17320
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