Gary W. Wood

Gary William Wood (1946–2025)

Age 79, formerly of Montour Falls, died July 27, 2025.

Gary William Wood lived a life in constant motion, always building, fixing, or chasing new adventures with boundless energy and a mischievous grin. Whether crafting a new wooden bookshelf, tending his garden, walking with Ethel or meeting up with men, Gary was rarely idle. His zest for life and infectious enthusiasm touched everyone he met. On July 27, 2025, Gary, age 79, passed away at his home in Lake Forest, California, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Montour Falls, New York, to Janet (Peg) Noble and Merle Wood, Gary—affectionately known as “Woody” in his youth—grew up alongside his brother, John. A 1963 graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School, he attended Corning Community College before answering the call to serve his country. In 1967, Gary joined the United States Marine Corps, where he qualified as a jet avionics and guided missile specialist. He served a tour in Vietnam, earning numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, RVN Cross of Gallantry, and Rifle Marksmanship Badge. Later, he was assigned to Presidential Guard Duty at El Toro Marine Base in Southern California before receiving an honorable discharge in 1973 as a Sergeant.

After his military service, Gary settled in Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Long Beach State in 1975. It was there he met the love of his life, Ethel Marie Sexton. The two married on January 10, 1976, and built a life together, first in Garden Grove and later in Lake Forest, where they raised their three children: sons Kevin and Brian, and daughter Janet.

For 36 years, Gary worked as an industrial engineer at several companies with dedication and skill. He worked for Kerr Glass, Ford Aerospace, Multek and Ceradyne. He was very excited at Ceradyne when he designed and managed the move of one assembly line that was completed in a 24 hours period that cost a million dollars.

Known in his neighborhood as “Mr. Gary” and at Christ Community Church in Laguna Hills as the playful soul who might surprise you with a wet willy or a friendly jab. Gary’s warmth and humor were legendary. His faith defined him. A transformative moment in a Vietnam bunker led him to dedicate his life to Jesus, a story he shared eagerly with anyone who would listen: “There are no atheists in foxholes.” Gary carried note cards and a pen to jot down prayer requests, ensuring he never forgot to pray for those in need. At Christ Community Church he served as an elder, AWANA Commander, High School small group leader, Senior Bible study leader and earned special recognition for his decades of service with the Trophy of Grace. Gary led by example: memorizing scripture, reading the whole Bible annually, making time to spend time with God daily. His passion for encouraging others extended to his role as a chaplain for the Orange County Correctional Department, where he led services and counseled inmates, and to his three mission trips to Cambodia.

An avid outdoorsman, Gary’s love for nature began in his Boy Scout days and continued through wrestling, football, hunting and fishing. In California, he embraced hiking, archery with Ethel, and even boogie boarding into his 70’s. Every Tuesday, he would meet up with his “Old Farts Club,” a group of veterans who swapped stories and bonded over a cup of coffee and shared experiences.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in his wife of 49 years, Ethel; his children, Kevin (his wife Kellie), Brian (his wife Cristina), and Janet (her husband Travis); his grandchildren, Joshua (his wife Val, great-granddaughter, Kalani), Jacob, Makenna, Kylie, Hunter, and Cali; and his brother, John.

A memorial service to celebrate Gary’s remarkable life will be held at Christ Community Church in Laguna Hills on September 6, 2025.

Condolences may be left for the family in his obituary at www.RoyceChedzoy.com. Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.