Irving J Wood

Irving J. Wood, 88, passed away on Monday, May 29. He was born in Utica, New York on August 20, 1934. the son of Irving A. and Harriet Wood, and is predeceased by his two sisters, Jane and Doris. Irving attended elementary and high school in Chadwicks, NY, and completed college in Utica, NY with a degree in Physics. He went on to a vibrant and successful career in pipeline construction, first with LaBarge Brothers in Mattydale, NY, and then, upon retirement from that company, founded his own pipeline construction company in 1995, Dekatherm, Inc. in Auburn, NY, where he served as President until this past June of 2022.

Irving is survived by his three daughters, Sheila, Sharon and Shirley, born with his first wife of 28 years, Ellen Jewell Wood. In addition to their home in N. Syracuse, the family enjoyed a property in Brantingham Lake, NY. It was in1983 that Irv met his future forever love, Norma, and they were married in a beautiful ceremony at Trinkaus Manor, Utica, on December 26, 1987. True “lovebirds” until his very end, they enjoyed many trips and travels together, one favorite being their excursion to Jerusalem.

As well as traveling, Irv always enjoyed tennis, and was an exceptional tennis player. He even built a tennis court adjacent to his house in Elbridge, NY, which was a frequent place for matches and camaraderie. It’s hard to think of Irv and not see some Orange and Blue, as he adored his SU sports teams! A season ticket holder to both football and basketball, he rarely missed a game, and his tailgate parties were legendary.

Irv and Norma shared their time between their two homes in Elbridge, NY and Port St. Lucie, FL, enjoying close friendships of many in both places. They also owned a motorhome for many years, and those travels procured many lasting memories and friendships for him. For the last 14 years, Irv’s other faithful companion was little Suzi, their adorable Yorkiepoo, who went everywhere they went until her passing in January.

Irv was a “force of nature” and his infectious smile and inviting, warm and gregarious personality touched the lives of everyone he met. He was also a very loving and generous grandfather, known affectionately to his three grandchildren, Hannah and Zack Sparrow and Jared Guidroz as “Poppy”.

Irv’s Christian faith was always important to him, and he found joy and support in his beloved Immanuel Methodist Church in Camillus, NY. Irv always said that “God has a plan”, and welcomed his transition to Everlasting Life with the Lord.

In April, 2023, Irv was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer. A true warrior to the end, he underwent chemotherapy to try to extend his time with his loved ones. But God’s plan prevailed, and he died peacefully at his home in Port St. Lucie on Monday, May 29th, Memorial Day, surrounded by family.

Irving is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Wood, his three daughters, Sheila Wood and partner Martha Patton, Sharon Sparrow, and Shirley Guidroz, his grandchildren Jared Guidroz, Hannah and Zack Sparrow, as well as Norma’s children, Scott Morgan (Cindy), Darby Melnik (George) and their children, Alex and Sam Melnik.

A Memorial service for Irving will take place on Saturday, August 12, 3pm. at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Camillus, NY. All friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, any charitable donations to the Church are greatly appreciated.