Garry Wood

Garry Wood, Sr. of Toms River, NJ sadly passed away on March 7, 2024.  He was born in Jersey City, NJ on September 9, 1951. Garry grew up in Brick Twp. NJ where he spent almost his entire life. Brick Township was where his legacy was born. Garry attended Brick Twp HS. In 1969, he joined the US Army and was sent to serve his country in Vietnam. There he was assigned to the 3rd of the 4th Calvary, 25th Infantry Division. He advanced through the ranks to the rank of Sergeant. While serving as a Calvary scout, Garry was decorated with a Bronze Star-V, Army Accommodation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Ribbon.

In 1979, Garry joined the Brick Police Department, badge # 70. He established the first Brick Police School Safety Program (DARE) and the Annual Helping Hands Basketball Game to raise money for children of Brick with special needs or financial problems. He also served as hostage negotiator for the S.W.A.T Team. Over the years he received many medals for Gallantry, two Life Saving Medals, one Class C. Medal, one Honorable Service Medal and numerous Chief Certifications. He retired as Detective Sergeant Bureau Commander. Garry had the honor of the Brick Township Wall of Fame award. With all he accomplished in his career, his greatest were his children. He volunteered to coach baseball and football. He was at all their games, from watching his daughter cheer, to being side by side through his son’s wrestling career.  

Garry leaves behind his wife Lois, his children, Garry Jr. and wife Natsuko, Colleen Wood, Casey and wife Sheri, and Daniel Wood and his dog, Roxy, his six grandchildren, Haile Zappo, Jonas, Colin and Ben Wood, Delaney and Antonia Wood and his siblings Doris Hoagland, Cathleen Murray, and Conrad Wood. Garry was predeceased by his mother and father, Doris and Conrad Wood and his brother, Kenneth Wood.  

Visitation will be on Sunday March 10th from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm at Weatherhead Young Funeral Home- 885 Mantoloking Road Brick, NJ 08723. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday March 11th at 11:45 am at the Funeral Home, followed by the Burial at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery- 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ 08562.  

In lieu of flowers Donations can be sent to the PBA Local 230, P.O. Box 1067, Brick, NJ 08723 c/o John Canterelli. Checks can be made payable to the “Helping Hands Fund”, or to brick football at the http://www.brickunited.org