Cedric K. "Ken" Wood

Cedric K. "Ken" Wood Jr., 84, of Boscawen, NH died peacefully March 4, 2019 following a period of declining health.

Ken was born in Central Islip, NY on March 7, 1934 to Cedric and Georgina (MAIDEN NAME) Wood and was educated in local schools. He was an all-around athlete lettering in varsity soccer, basketball, and baseball for three years each. In an era before All-Star teams, Ken was described as an all-star catcher with a rocket arm and terrific defensive skills. He was voted his high school team's MVP his senior year and, upon graduation, was signed by the New York Giants baseball team and played for the franchise for three years from 1952-1954 at class D and C league levels (Rookie and AA) in Oklahoma. In 1955 Ken joined the US army and played several years of service ball while proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War. Following honorable discharge, Ken played ball for the CI Hospital team when the institution fielded a very strong and competitive semi-pro team. In recognition of his extensive and successful athletic career, Ken was inducted into the Central Islip Sports Hall of Fame in 2011

Ken spent the entirety of his working years as a Structural Iron and Steel Worker. His skilled hands helped erect numerous bridges and buildings in New York including the Twin Towers, and he was involved in both the construction and dismantling process of the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant. After a long and fruitful career, Ken retired from the General Building Laborers' Union No. 66 of the Laborers' International Union of North America, an organization based in Nassau & Suffolk Counties, NY. In 2004, following retirement, Ken moved from Long Island to the New Franklin Apartments in New Hampshire where he could be closer to family. Eventually, due to failing health, it became necessary for Ken to transfer to Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen where he lived until his passing.

Ken was a member of the American Legion and the Elks as well as a Life Member of the Mount Sinai Yacht Club in Mount Sinai, NY. He was an avid sports fan, not only watching games on TV, but then also reading about them in the paper the next day. He loved both fresh and salt water fishing, rides to the ocean and mountains, and cruisin' in "The Sled" all over New England, always greeting people along the way with a great big smile and a "How you doing today?" He attended the Big "E" Fair for a number of years could always be found cheering enthusiastically at his grandsons' baseball, soccer, basketball, dirt bike, car racing, and demolition derby events. Ken had a special place in his heart for his Great Dane "granddog" IMMA, whom he lovingly cared for and often took on car rides while the rest of the family was out on tour chasing dirt bike tracks and championships. Ken was widely known for his generous smile, firm hand shake and warm heart. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him…A Wink, A Smile and Thumbs Up – Never to be Forgotten.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Alicia Louise (Wood) Marceau; grandson, Joshua Kenneth James Bond and wife, Shannon; grandson, Austin Cedric Stone Marceau; step-sons Mark and Bruce Kozikowski and granddog, Boe. In addition to his parents, Ken was predeceased by his beloved granddog. IMMA. A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, March 8, 2019 at 11:00am at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway in Boscawen. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Franklin Visiting Nurses Association online at www.franklinvna.org or Franklin Meals on Wheels, please make checks payable to CAP BMCI/MOW and mail to Community Action Program, PO Box 1016, Concord, NH 03302. Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements.