Gerald L. Wood

He was born February 13, 1931 in Oneonta the son of the late Elmer J. and Laura R. (Wright) Wood.

Gerald graduated from Oneonta High School the class of 1948. On July 1 1948, Gerald began working at Wilber National Bank in the mail room. On September 9, 1950 he entered the US Army Reserves where he was a key punch operator. On July 1, 1952, Gerald re-entered the bank in the mail room. January 11, 1955 he became a teller and worked as a teller until January 17, 1969 he became the Assistant Cashier. Continuing to work his way up, Gerald became the Manager of Oneonta Plains office on March 17, 1972 then he was assigned to Main Office as Branch Coordinator January 1, 1977, Branch Manager of Main Office on February 2, 1981 and later became the Assistant Vice President before retiring May 1, 1993.

Gerald was a great supporter of the arts and music. He helped pay for students to take piano lessons. In his retirement and during the Christmas season, Gerald would play the piano at the bank and also traveled to the various bank locations and play the piano. He was a member of the Leatherstocking Theatre Co. and at one time was the treasurer. He loved to travel and took many trips with the Gold Club at Community Bank.

Gerald was a member of the Cooperstown Junction United Methodist Church and was very involved with the church. He enjoyed the men’s club and served various positions in the church. He was on the Town of Milford Planning Board and also the Cooperstown Junction Cemetery Board.

Gerald is survived by his sister, Charlotte Gemmel of Conway, SC; several nieces and nephews including, Carol Utter, Long, SC, Pauline Pitcher, Dansville, NY, Gail Page, Conway, SC; and H. Russell Gemmel, Jr., Prince George, VA. He was predeceased by his brother, Erwin J. Brown.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Gerald’s special friends, Jane Wetmore and Duane McMorris and his very special caregivers, Ginger Quackenbush and her son, Barry for all the time and attention they all gave to Gerald.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Funeral services will immediately follow at 12:00 pm with Al Bullard officiating. Burial will be in the Charlotte Valley Cemetery, West Davenport.

The family asks that you consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, Leatherstocking Region Office, 140 County Highway 33W, Suite 2, Cooperstown, New York 13326 in memory of Gerald L. Wood.

To light a candle or send the family an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.