Obituary of Gardiner Wood

Gardiner Timmy Wood of Unionville, CT, died February 9, 2015 at his winter home in Poughkeepsie, NY. Lovingly cared for by his wife and soul mate, June, he went to "sleep" in her arms, with loving family nearby. Gardiner was born in Ipswich, MA on October 11, 1922, the son of Lester and Mildred Noyes Wood. He attended local schools. He enlisted in the US Navy, World War II, and served on the USS Thrush Hedron Fleet, Air Wing. He was in the ROTC Program and when honorably discharged, attended and graduated from Brown University. Upon graduation, he joined IBM. Working there 38 years, he held many positions; Customer Engineer, instructed Customer Executive Programs, Sales, Management and Marketing. He retired in 1984, achieving many 100% Club and Garden Circle awards as part of the IBM family. Retirement allowed Gardiner and June to make golden memories with each other and their extended family. RV travel cross country yearly trips to the White Mountains, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Cape Cod, Europe and cruises. At home, he enjoyed golf, working his garden and growing his prize zinnias. He was proud to be a volunteer driver for the American Red Cross, and make many friends among the patients. Loving his home on the Farmington, he was a long time member of the Farmington River Water Shed, and when health would permit, enjoyed attending the meetings and comrade of the Farmington Valley Men's Club. They also enjoyed entertaining guests frequently, attending Symphony Opera and other events at the Bushnell. Gardiner was predeceased by his precious daughter Karen Dougherty in March, 2013. He is survived by his eldest, loving daughter, Janet Wood, and his son-in-law Robert Dougherty of Sarasota, FL, and Donja Roti, North Port, FL, daughter of ex-wife Lorraine Roti. Gardiner was predeceased by his sister Virginia Wilkinson and nephew Larry. He is survived by Virginia's daughters Becky Carey of Oregon, Jeri Ann Wilkinson and Judy Hecker of OR. Surviving in Wappinger Falls, NY; children of Gardiner's extended family are "son" Ronald R. Venditti and wife Elizabeth, grandsons Paul and Joseph Venditti, "son" Vito Venditti of Sag Harbor, NY or Bristol, CT, brother-in-law Richard J. Burnhard, Jr., and wife Patricia, nieces Christine Stevanovic, Jennifer Pendelton of ME, and Jason Morris of Poughkeepsie, NY. A special thank you to the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association for their devoted care of Gardiner. We will never forget them. They became friends, as well as care givers. In lieu of flowers, if you desire to remember Gardiner, please remember VVVNA, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070. It is no secret, Gardiner loved his home on the Farmington and we will return in the Spring. Date will be announced. I promised him. Arrangements were under the direction of the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com