ZEPHYRHILLS, FLA./ ELLSWORTH
Caswell Wilbur Wood, 90, passed away on March 1, 2017, at his winter home in Zephyrhills, Fla. He was born in Harrington on April 30, 1927, the oldest son of Neil D. and Flora (Grant) Wood. He was the husband of Mary Louise Downey.
He grew up in Harrington and, while attending Harrington High School, he left school to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17. After serving three years, he returned home to complete high school. He then attended the University of Maine, where he graduated with a BS in Education. He later completed his master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education at the University of Maine. His first job in education was in Island Falls, where he taught high school math, coached the basketball team and was the high school principal. In the following years he was a high school principal in Bar Harbor, Fort Fairfield and Hermon. Mr. Wood was known for being a strict principal, but also encouraging students to be their very best, and he always wore bow ties. He retired from Hermon High School in 1983.
He was kept busy during his early years of retirement with wintering in Florida, golfing, fishing and moose hunting in Newfoundland. He also helped build two houses in Holden and Dedham with his son-in-law, Steve Goodwin. On Oct. 9, 1948, he married Geraldine Rand, and they were married for 52 years until Geraldine’s death in 2000. In 1957, Caswell built his camp on Spring River Lake with the help of family and friends, and he spent many years there enjoying fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, boating and family gatherings. He enjoyed reading, and keeping his mind sharp by doing word and Sudoku puzzles. He also enjoyed playing card games with his family, and poker nights with his friends in Maine and Florida. He was a member of the MEA/NEA; Maine Principals’ Association, Grand Lodge of Maine, A.F. & A.M., Island Falls Lodge; Anah Shriners of Bangor and the Betmar Golf, Swim, Game and Dance Clubs in Zephyrhills.
In 2001, he met Mary Louise Downey, and they were married on June 30, 2002, at the Lucerne Inn. They were together very happily for 16 years. They enjoyed traveling, going out to eat, playing card games with friends, dancing and spending winters in Florida and summers in Maine.
Surviving, in addition to his second wife, are two daughters, Cynthia A. Wood of Ellsworth, Kathleen A. Goodwin of Bangor and her partner, Dann Gowell; his very special granddaughter Kayla J. Mahar of Hermon and her husband, Kyle; stepson Michael Downey and his wife, Wendy, of Ellsworth; brother-in-law Robert Rand and his wife, June, of Ellsworth; and nieces and nephews: Carrie, Jenny, Amy, Judy, Nancy, Bill, Karen, Bobby and Roger. He was also predeceased by his younger brother Carl Wood, and his wife, Janet; sister-in-law Kathleen Fenton and husband William; stepson Stephen Downey and his wife, Doreen; and cousin Arnold Ingersoll and cousin Irene Hibbs.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 24, at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Harrington at 3 p.m. After the service, all are invited to the First Baptist Church in Harrington for refreshments and a celebration of Caswell’s life. Those wishing to remember him in a special way may make donations in his memory to the Shrine Hospital for Children, and mail to 1404 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.brookingsSmith.com.
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