William J. Wood, 86, of Newtown, died peacefully in his home March 22. He was born February 6, 1929, in Norwalk, and was the son of the late Hannah McGrath Wood and William Ambrose Wood.

He graduated from Darien High School and then served in the United States Army as a private first class in the 45th Infantry Division, Second Battalion, Company 2, in the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he served in the US Army Reserve.

He was a volunteer with the Noroton Heights Fire Department, worked for the Darien Post Office, and then as a supervisor for Northeast Utilities in Stamford until 1970 when the family moved to Bennington, Vt., where he worked for Stanley Tools.

He returned to Connecticut after living a short period of time in Florida, to be closer to his children.

His son William C. Wood, and his wife Lorri, from Bennington, and his daughter Maegan A. Wood, and her wife Sharon, from Sandy Hook; his brother Daniel E. Wood of Southbury; and a number of nieces and nephews survive Mr Wood. His wife Marjorie Wood and siblings Anna May Treme and Robert J. Wood predeceased him.

His passion for life was found in his faith in God. As such, he is remembered as a gentle, caring father and man, always trying to follow in the footsteps of Christ.

He was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his garden labors with others. He was looking forward to planting his tomatoes as soon as the snow melted.

Mr Wood loved sports, and was an avid Yankees and Steelers fan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 28, at 11:30 am, at St Teresa of Avila, 146 Main Street South, Woodbury, where he worshiped for more than 20 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, PO Box 5001, Woodbury CT  06798; or to Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 344, Newtown CT  06470; or to a charity of choice.

The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is serving the family.