George Kelly Wood

George Kelly Wood, 67, of Freeville NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13,
2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born on March 17, 1957, in Cortland, George grew up as the youngest of six to Woodrow and
Rosemary Wood of Dryden, NY. In younger years he helped at his father’s gas station, later
working with the family antique shop.
Attending both Fullerton and Cayuga Community Colleges, he received an associate’s degree
in music theory and continued his love of percussion throughout his life, often performing during
gatherings with family and friends.
George joined Cornell University in 1979, and after 42 years he retired as the R5 Operations
Recycling Manager, gaining numerous accolades and lifelong friends throughout his years of
dedicated service.
As a member of the Hop Growers of NY, he was an avid hop grower and beer aficionado,
finding a new brewery in every city he traveled to, from his summers in Maine to winters in
Georgia, and everything in between North Carolina and Colorado where he visited with kids and
grandkids.
A fishing enthusiast, whether logging hours with his wife catching barracuda in Key Largo or
teaming up with his best friend for bass tournaments on Cayuga Lake, you could always talk big
fish with George, including his prized muskie catch, which earned him a front cover spotlight on
Lake Ontario Outdoors magazine, which he shared proudly with all.
George and his family spent years traveling throughout the northeast as the “pit crew” of a dirt
stockcar with Tom Fitzgibbons behind the wheel. Win or lose, the legacy continues with Wood
Racing proudly displayed on a new generation of racecars.
George will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Debbie; children Kelly (Rob),
Justin; grandchildren; Alex, Aiden, Max, Miles, Bella, Travis; sister Robin (Floyd), brother Tom
(Carolyn), brother David, sister-in-law Mary Lou (Doug), brother-in-law Ken (Cindy), brother-in-
law Charles (Joyce), as well as numerous relatives and friends.
George was predeceased by his parents, Woodrow and Rosemary; siblings, James and
William.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday December 21, 2024 from 11:00am- 1:00pm, at Perkins
Funeral Home, 55 West Main St Dryden, NY. A celebration of life will follow in the spring.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hospicare & Palliative Care Services, 172 East King
Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or to the Cancer Resource Center, 840 Hanshaw Rd. Suite 5, Ithaca,
NY 14850