Alfred Jay Wood (Moyle1, John Jay2, John S.3, Aaron4, Consider5, Josiah6, Ephraim7, Samuel8 and Henry9) of Canton, Pa. passed away Friday, March 28, 2014 at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y. He was born in his paternal grandparent's house (The Morgan House across from Clem Pratt's) on 2nd Street in LeRaysville, Pa. on Sept. 4, 1934, the son of Moyle Erwin and Maybelle Katharine (Fish) Wood, the grandson of John Jay and Carrie (Rogers) Wood and William Howe and Willetta Jane Fish. He was raised in the New Albany area (Hatch Hill) where he graduated from the New Albany Vocational High School Class of 1952. After working on the Erie Railroad section gang and at Towanda Folding Box, Alfred then joined the Navy in 1953.
Alfred married the former Loretta Ann Pedro, the daughter of Albert and Olive (Josbena), on Jan. 30, 1954 at his parent's home in New Albany.
They spent 59 happy years together while making their three children their whole life. His family went with him if possible on his tours of duty at Newport, R.I., Bainbridge, Md., twice to San Diego, Calif., Long Beach, Calif., and Guam, Marianas Islands.
After achieving the rank of Master Chief Radioman, he retired from the U.S. Navy on May 1, 1975, after which he with his wife moved to Canton, Pa. where they made their home during the rest of their 59 years together. During his time in the U.S. Navy he served onboard the USS Dennis J. Buckley (DDR808), the USS Everett F. Larson (DDR830), the USS Colahan (DD658), the Staff of Commander Destroyer Flotilla Three, the Naval Communications Station Guam, Mariana Islands, the Staff of Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Forces Pacific and the Staff of Commander Surface Forces Pacific. During his Naval Career, Master Chief Wood attended Radioman "A" School, Radioman "B" School and Naval Communications Systems Technician School; he also served as an instructor at Radioman "B" School. He studied for two years at Grossmont College, at San Diego, Calif. receiving an associate's degree and a Certification of Completion of the California General Education Requirements for a Bachelor's degree, at San Diego State University, at San Diego, Calif. and Long Beach College at Long Beach, Calif. He also studied at the University of Maryland by correspondence courses.
After retiring from the U.S. Navy after 22 years of service, he worked as a salesman for 1 year at the Warner Tractor Company located at East Troy and for 15 years at Hess Farm Equipment at Rte. 414, at Canton, Pa. Both he and Loretta loved to hunt and fish and they both enjoyed fishing at their place in Canada annually for many years after his retirement.
Alfred is survived by his three children, Laura Jean Perez of Radcliff, Ky., Larry Jay and his wife Wanda Lee of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Matthew Moyle and his wife Angela of Williamstown, N.Y.; grandchildren, Julana (Wood) Blankenship and her husband John of Hawaii, Brooke Ann Wood, Joseph Korthas, and Christina Korthas, all of Williamstown, N.Y., Jessica (Crain) Cressey and her husband Scott of Ga., Jennifer Crain of Texas, Jaymes Crain of Pittsburgh, Pa., Amanda and her husband Robert "Bo" Parker of Smyrna, Tenn., Ruzenka Lauko of Hawaii; great-grandchildren, Arisin Miodowski of Tucson, Ariz., Bryce Johnson of Radcliff, Ky., Jaymison Parker and Sophie Parker of Smyrna, Tenn.; and a special friend, Bobby Drapeau of Kingston, Ont.
He was preceded in death by his partner, his sweetheart, his wife, Loretta, on Feb. 14, 2013; his parents; and two brothers-in-law, Rudy Pedro and Tony Pedro of Towanda and New Albany respectively.
He was a member of Canton VFW Post No. 714, the American Legion, The Loyal Order of Moose, the National Rifle Association and the Fleet Reserve Association.
The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda, Pa., with Pastor John Lattimer of the Faith Baptist Church, Canton, Pa. officiating. Dungarees or casual dress will be appropriate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Bradford County Memorial Park, Luthers Mills, Pa. with Towanda American Legion Post No. 42 according full military honors. Contributions may be directed to the charity or organization of one's choice in Alfred J. Wood's memory. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com.
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4 Entries
March 30, 2014
Jennifer Crain
Gramp, you were a great inspiration and shoulder to lean on when needed most. Words can not describe the impact you had on my life and how much you will be missed. I love you!!
March 30, 2014
Anita Pedro
To Matthew, Larry and Laurie..... please understand my deep sympathy on your loss. The loss of your parents goes deep as I am remembering the good times, the fun times we all had as a family. I considered them friends as well as family and I am grateful for having known them. Please know that I am certain they are together again and that I am sharing your sorrow. Aunt Anita
March 30, 2014
John Kocsis
Matt, please accept my most sincere condolences on your fathers passing. Both of your parents were fine people. Whenever I saw them, it was for the right reasons.
March 29, 2014
To the family of RMCM A J Wood. I was privileged to know Al and Loretta quite well. I shall miss them both. Our prayers of condolence and joy that they are now together for eternity! Blessings,Jim & Linda Collins, Alba, PA
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