John M. Wood Jr. of Springs, a retired East Hampton Town Highway Department crewman who loved his job operating heavy machinery, died at home on Dec. 2. He was 62 and had had cancer for six years.
Mr. Wood was born on Sept. 22, 1957, in Southampton, one of three children of John M. Wood Sr. and the former Nancy King. He grew up in Springs and graduated from East Hampton High School in 1976.
After high school, Mr. Wood studied automotive repair at a school in Colorado and began working as a mechanic. He held several different jobs throughout his life, including at a marina and for Bistrian Sand and Gravel, before joining the Highway Department. In addition to operating heavy equipment, Mr. Wood loved to fish.
He was married three times, each ending in divorce, and had two daughters with Laurie Edwards. About 20 years ago he bought his childhood home on Gardiner Avenue from his parents.
Two sisters, Jean K. Hamilton of Amagansett and Joyce Quillen, who lives in Delaware, survive. His daughters, Jennifer L. Wood-LaMonda and Jacqueline M. Wood-Cobb, both of East Hampton, also survive, as do four grandchildren.
A graveside service was held on Saturday at Green River Cemetery in Springs, where Mr. Wood is buried next to his parents. The family has suggested memorial donations to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach 11978, or online at eeh.org.
