IN MEMORIAM: Gerald L. Wood, 86;

Assistant Wilber Bank Vice President

ONEONTA – Gerald L. Wood, 86, who started in the mailroom at Wilber National Bank in 1948 and rose to assistant vice president by the time of his retirement in 1993, passed away peacefully today, Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, at Chestnut Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

He was born Feb. 13, 1931, in Oneonta, the son of the late Elmer J. and Laura R. (Wright) Wood, and graduated from Oneonta High School with the Class of 1948.

On July 1 1948, he joined Wilber National Bank in the mailroom.

On Sept. 9, 1950, he entered the Army Reserves, where he was a key punch operator.

On July 1, 1952, Gerald re-joined the bank in the mailroom. On Jan. 11, 1955, he became and worked as a teller until Jan. 17, 1969, when he became the assistant cashier. Continuing to work his way up, Gerald became the manager of Oneonta Plains office on March 17, 1972. He was assigned to the main office as branch coordinator Jan. 1, 1977; main office branch manager on Feb. 2, 1981; and later became the assistant vice president before retiring May 1, 1993.

Gerald was a great supporter of the arts and music. He helped pay for students to take piano lessons. In his retirement and during the Christmas season, Gerald would play the piano at the bank and also traveled to the various bank locations and play the piano. He was a member of the Leatherstocking Theatre Co. and at one time was the treasurer. He loved to travel and took many trips with the Gold Club at Community Bank.

Gerald was a member of the Cooperstown Junction United Methodist Church and was very involved with the church. He enjoyed the men’s club and served various positions in the church. He was on the Town of Milford Planning Board and also the Cooperstown Junction Cemetery Board.

Gerald is survived by his sister, Charlotte Gemmel of Conway, S.C.; several nieces and nephews including, Carol Utter, Longs, S.C., Pauline Pitcher, Dansville, Gail Page, Conway, S.C.; and H. Russell Gemmel Jr., King George, Va.

He was predeceased by his brother, Erwin J. Brown.

The family extends a very special thank you to Gerald’s special friends, Jane Wetmore and Duane McMorris and his very special caregivers, Ginger Quackenbush and her son, Barry for all the time and attention they all gave to Gerald.

Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta. Funeral services will immediately follow at noon with Al Bullard officiating. Burial will be in the Charlotte Valley Cemetery, West Davenport.

The family asks that you consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, Leatherstocking Region Office, 140 County Highway 33W, Suite 2, Cooperstown, New York 13326 in memory of Gerald L. Wood.

To light a candle or send the family an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.