Gregory J. "Woody" Wood
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Gregory J. Wood, “Woody” Greece, NY passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at age 64. He is survived by his children, Jonathan and Jacob Wood; stepdaughter, Kayla Lewis. He also leaves behind his siblings, Deborah (Charlie) Meyers, Donna Karlechuk and James (Amber) Wood along with nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Suzanne Wood. Greg was an avid member of Our Mother of Sorrows church where he was proud of his catholic faith. When Greg was young, he played hockey for the Rochester Monarchs, and then after decided to play at St Bonaventure where his teammates and coaches nominated him to be the captain. His Bonnies won the ICHL championship in the 1979-80 season. This led to Greg being awarded back-to-back ICHL Most Valuable Player awards from 1979-81. His nickname Woody stuck between his teammates and friends that lasted throughout his life, as well as the friends he made along the way. Greg was the biggest fan of the Buffalo Bills as well. He never missed a game whether it was on the TV or listening to the radio wearing the jersey of his favorite player Jim Kelly. Gregs career path was in the banking industry where he worked diligently for his customers. He was able to form friendships with many of his customers and colleagues. He was admired by those he represented as his compassion, character, and kindness shined. Gregs ability to connect with each customer and find the best outcome was his specialty. Greg always put his family first and was undoubtedly the most important piece of his life. He had numerous stories about his childhood memories spent at their family home and cottage. Greg loved to be by the water where he could be found driving their boat, fishing, and waterskiing. Sundays were his favorite day as he would attend mass and pack up and spend the rest of the day on the lake with his family. His Graveside Prayers will be held Saturday (June 8th) 11:00 AM in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Please gather inside the Dewey Ave. gate. His life will be celebrated at home by the immediate family. Donations can be made in his honor at the American Heart Association.
I met Greg upon his graduation from St Boneventure when he was introduced to me as “ my new trainee” at Security Trust Company. He was a bright, charismatic and fun coworker and we had great times together. Eventually he moved up in the organization and quickly was recognized for his lending talents and care for his customers. After several years, and job changes, we were paired up once again at The Bank of Castile in Greece NY. My good friend Greg was still fun and made the new venture we embarked on an a true adventure! His boys would visit frequently and they became part of our “bank family” To those now young men, John & Jake and the entire Wood family I extend my sincerest and heartfelt condolences. He was one in a million and those of us who worked with him truly grieve his passing.
I had the true privilege of working with Greg in two banking organizations where he excelled and was recognized as a valued leader in those firms and in commercial real estate finance. He was liked and admired by all who knew him for his kindness, compassion and dedication to providing the best possible assistance to his clients. I am grateful for the many years I was privileged to know him as a valued colleague and good friend. He will be greatly missed by so many. To Jonathan, Jake, Kayla and the rest of his family, you were always his life’s greatest joy; and no family could have been loved more. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to all. Brenda Copeland
I am deeply sorry to hear about Greg, "Woody". I grew up with Greg and we lived in a neighborhood in Greece, NY referred to as "The Briar Patch". It was a great neighborhood; full of kids of all ages and lots of fun. The Woods lived around the corner from us and Greg was very good friends with my brother, Tom. Everybody loved Greg – his smile was endless and I can still hear his laugh. He was just a nice (handsome!) guy. Greg was never mean to us girls; unlike some of the boys in our neighborhood, LOL. His Uncle George, Father Wood, was our pastor at Mother Of Sorrows at Paddy Hill and on Sunday nights you could set your watch to Uncle George driving down our street to go to the Woods for dinner. We all walked to school, and went to Mass every Sunday with your parents. As others have noted, Greg loved playing hockey as did his brother, Jim. I remember their mom saying every time she went to a game, one of them would get hurt. Greg, I hope you’re having a great reunion with your parents and other family members in Heaven. Please watch over your family you left behind. Here’s to the Great Briar Patch! Lots of love too!
Jim, Debby & Donna,
I recently heard of Greg’s passing.
We all had a lot of good times during the summer months at the lake.
I remember swimming, playing cards and water skiing at your place.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Very old friend from Bonaventure…He lived across the hall from me one year – he was such a friendly and personable guy back then and sounds like he was a very likeable gentleman as he aged. So Sorry to hear he lost his life so early. I’m sure you have many cherished memories to keep him alive in your hearts.