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Frank C. Wood was born February 19, 1922 at United Hospital in Port Chester, NY to Frank and Nellie Iversen Wood. In Rye his family lived at 66 New Street. Frank He was educated in Rye and a Rye High School Graduate, Class of 1941. He enlisted in 1942 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Frank enlisted in the U. S. Army in December, 1942. He was a member of the, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, AAA-O. during WW2. Mr. Wood served in France, Belgium, Rhineland, and Central Europe. The Fighting Falcons of the 39th became the first unit of United States combat troops to set foot on foreign soil when they stormed the beaches of Algiers in November 1942.
 During fighting in Sicily, Italy, the regiment came under the command of the legendary Colonel Harry A. Paddy Flint who gave the regiment its triple Nothing slogan - Anything, Anywhere, Anytime - Bar Nothing. The regiment took great pride in the AAA-O slogan, displaying it on their helmets and vehicles, even in combat. When questioned about the soundness of the practice, Colonel Flint confidently declared, The enemy who sees our regiment in combat, if they live through the battle, will know to run the next time they see us coming. General George Patton commented upon Colonel Flint in the following manner: "Paddy Flint is clearly nuts, but he fights well."
Frank served in France, Belgium, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Decorations included the Medal of Good Conduct, and the Combat Infantry Badge. In 1947, the U.S. government implemented a policy authorizing the retroactive awarding of the Bronze Star Medal to World War II veteran soldiers who had been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, because the CIB was awarded only to soldiers who had borne combat duties befitting the recognition conferred by a Bronze Star Medal. Both awards required a commander's recommendation and a citation in the pertinent orders.
On May 14, 1943, Frank married the former Irene M. Balls at Fort Moultrie, SC.
After the war Frank was a member of the City of Rye Police Department from 1953 to 1976. He served the department as a detective from 1965 to 1975. He was also a volunteer member of the Rye Fire Department, serving in the Poningoe Engine and Hose during the 1950's.
Frank was a member of the Pioneer Sports Club of Rye, NY and the Rye Police Association. He loved of sports, hunting, camping, jetskiing, and four wheeling on his ATV.
 Frank's wife Irene passed away in 1992. They were married for 49 years. Frank's zest for life set an example for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Frank C. Wood, of Ghent and more recently of Dolgeville, NY passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2002 at home. Frank was a 65 year resident of Rye, NY. He was 80 years old. He will be dearly missed by all those whose lives he had touched.
At the time of his death Frank was survived by his son, Laurens Town Justice Frank C. Wood, a retired Larchmont Police Detective, and Toni Wood of Laurens, NY; Barbara Wood Cotrona of East Greenbush, NY; Detective John D. Wood, City of Rye Police Department and Kathleen Herbster Wood of Rye, NY, 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
He was also survived by five sisters, Dorothy Briganti, Marion, Milazzo, Audrey Crawford, and Lorraine O'Connor of Florida, and Eleanor Simpson of Dennisport, MA and a brother Walter Wood, also of Rye, NY.
Family members who have died earlier include his brother Barry Wood and his grandson, Barry F. Wood of Rye, NY.
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