George William Wood

Holliston-
George William Wood, age 89, from Holliston, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013 after a long illness. He was the devoted husband for 63 years to the late Nathalie (Goldstein) Wood who passed in 2008.

His life was a rags to riches story. He was born in 1923, but was given away during the Great Depression because his mother could not afford to care for 3 children, and he was the only boy. He was raised by the Eckles and Fales families in Holliston, who took him in and treated him as a member of their families.

George served in the U.S. Navy and flew in B24-PBY bombers patrolling for U-Boats in the Bay of Biscay during WWII. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy at the rank of Chief Mechanics Mate, 1st class. In 1944, while on leave in Baltimore, Maryland, the day after he turned 21 and became “legal”, George married the love of his life, Nathalie Goldstein (1923-2008). Together, George and Nat built their life in Holliston and raised three children.
Following his time in the service, he worked for many years at Draper Corp., and then Prime Computer as a prototype designer. He took great pride in doing any job the best he could. He was a master craftsman. He designed and built his family’s home. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends at the pool and loved working around the house and yard while listening to the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics games on the radio. George was a founding member of the Holliston Senior Center, and helped drive the bus, along with working in the senior center.

George had a rich and wonderful life with his wife Nathalie. They loved traveling and enjoyed their trips to Alaska, the Grand Canyon, many National Parks and Florida over the years. He is survived by his daughter Bonnie Bradford and her husband Richard Sawash of Holliston, Harry Wood and his wife Ann Prete, also of Holliston, and Randy Wood and wife Susan of Medway. He also had three grandchildren, Ryan, George and Al Wood who loved to spend time at their grandfather’s home.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, March 9, from 10:00 to 12:00 at the Chesmore Funeral Home in Holliston, 854 Washington Street. www.chesmorefuneralhome.com. After a private service, George will be laid to rest beside his wife in Lake Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Senior Support Foundation, c/o the Holliston Senior Center, 150 Goulding Street, Holliston, MA 01746.