Obituary of Thomas Nelson Wood III

Thomas Nelson Wood III, son of Thomas Nelson Wood Jr. and Eleanor Mae Booth Wood, died peacefully at his home on Monday, July 10, 2023 surrounded by his wife and children.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Veronica Ann Wood; his daughter, Natalia Ann Karas; his son, Thomas Nelson Wood IV (Miranda O’Reilly); his older sister, Wanda Lee Wood Aown (Joseph); and his younger brother, Allan Duane Wood (Patricia Hanahan).  He has several nieces and nephews including Ellie Aown Smith (Alex), Wayne Wood (Jan), Gayle Wood Windisch, Jeffrey Wood (Ana), and Brett Thomas Wood (Anelise).

Tom grew up on the family farm in Grangerville where he learned the values and importance of hard work.  Following graduation from Schuylerville Central School in 1963 he attended Cornell University and obtained a BS degree in Agriculture Education in 1967.  He taught Agriculture and was FFA Advisor at Saratoga BOCES, Delhi Agriculture and Technical College, and Salem Central School for a total of 29 years.  During this time, he continued his education in Administration and served as Chairman of the Special Education Committee and Elementary Principal at Hartford Central School for 10 years.

He served as Town of Saratoga Historian for 19 years, ZBA member for 21 years, and was elected Town Supervisor in 2004 serving in that capacity until his death for 19 plus years.  In earlier years, he served as cub scout and boy scout assistant, 4-H club leader, and little league coach.

Tom always felt that he was the luckiest person alive having the best loving and caring parents, a beautiful caring devoted wife, two of the best children, a wonderful brother and sister and countless friends and work partners.  He encourages everyone to work hard, always do their best, and be kind and caring to people and animals.

At Tom’s request, there will be no calling hours and funeral services will be private for family members.

Anyone wishing to make donations in his memory may give them to any organization of their choice.