Shrewsbury – One word to easily describe Henry Wood would be “solid.” He was a man of good character, integrity, faith, humility, kindness and family. Henry helped his family; his church and the community be better just by being who God created when he was born.
Henry Wood died Jan. 17, 2019 at home after an illness. He died knowing he was loved and needed, but there were others on the other side knowing the same saying “C’mon Woody.” He was 86.
Born March 11, 1932 in Canton, Ohio, Henry Hale Wood Jr. was a son of the late Henry H. and Martha (Clements) Wood. Raised and educated in Mount Lebanon, Pa., he graduated from Mount Lebanon High School. Henry earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University in 1954 and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Chicago. He honorably served the country in the United States Air Force.
One of Henry’s best days came when he married Birmingham, Mich. native Corinne O’Neil on June 12, 1954 at St. Hugo of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Work transferred the young married couple to the Northeast where they made Shrewsbury their home since 1961.
Henry’s professional career spanned almost 30 years at Morgan Construction Company in Worcester where he worked as a marketing manager and was a well-respected employee and friend at Morgan. He enjoyed retirement in 1990.
Sadness came to his family when their son, Michael H. Wood, died in 1995 and shortly after their daughter-in-law, Emily, leaving behind three young children. Henry and Corinne acted without question and raised their three grandchildren as their own with the same love, affection, and devotion any parent provides.
Life created beautiful memories for Henry and his family. From the dance floor with Corinne and annual tennis tournaments to summers in Westport…it was quality family time on the beach and bluegrass at The Point. He experienced adventures in the Galapagos with his son, David, and many European vacations with his grandchildren. Henry loved his painting and gifted his family with many pleasing works of art. A beautiful vision, memory and comfort for his family now is Henry sailing on his boat, “Chinook.”
He always had a keen interest in history and as a result was a member of the Shrewsbury Historical Society and served on the Historical Commission for many years. Preserving the treasures and significance of the past in Town was important to him and he was a vocal supporter of projects or changes but wasn’t shy offering his opinion or vote if he felt it was not for the greater good. Henry believed strongly in the power of reading and the benefits of a public library. He served on the committee for the new Shrewsbury Public Library and was a member of the United States Power Squadron.
Joining Henry on his sailboat in heaven are his son, Michael Wood, and son-in-law, Richard Quitadamo, died in 2013. He is also predeceased by his brother, Frank Evans Wood.
In addition to his wife of almost 65 years, Corinne, he leaves their children, Lisa Wood Gregoire (Dennis), of Charlotte, N.C., Julie W. Quitadamo of Shrewsbury, and David O. Wood (Theresa) of Furlong, Pa.; his grandchildren, Jessica Wood, David Wood, Allison Wood, Michael Gregoire, Christopher Gregoire, Andrew Gregoire, Cole Quitadamo, Bradley Quitadamo, Isaac Wood, Erin Wood, and Eli Wood; his great-grandchildren, Hadley and Leo Gregoire; and nieces and nephews.
Family & friends will honor and remember Henry’s life by gathering for calling hours Tuesday, Jan. 22, from 4-7 p.m., in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m., at Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St. Burial at Mountain View Cemetery is private.
Memorials in Henry’s name to Saint Mary’s Parish, Capital Campaign, 18 Summer St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 would be appreciated.
