Russell E. Wood, of Sea Cliff, died on April 1, 2001, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital after a valiant fight with melanoma cancer.

Russell was born Dec. 21, 1931 in Wilmington, DE. He spent most of his childhood in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where he met his wife, Ginnie. Both graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1949. He was a member of the first Lower Merion Crew team and celebrated their 50th anniversary last year. He received a BS in education from Penn State University and received a master's degree in education from Alfred University.

Russell entered the Korean War, spending a year in Pusan. Upon return he spent eight years teaching social studies in upstate Wellsville, NY before coming to LI. He taught and coached at Roslyn High School until his retirement in 1987.

Longing to see the many countries he taught, Russell took a sabbatical in 1971 spending a year with his family camping through Europe, Asia and Africa. Seven years later he again took leave and traveled through all of Central America with Ginnie and son, Stephen. These great adventures gave his students many new understandings of these countries and his children experiences never to be forgotten.

Russell was the son of Russell and Jan Wood of Merion, PA, and brother of Mary Jane Groves of Merion. In addition to his wife, Virginia, he is survived by his son, Thomas (Betsy), daughter, Catherine Rogers (Tom), son, Stephen (Susan); plus eight wonderful grandchildren, Christopher, Katie, Daniel, Brian, Matthew, Andrew, Rebecca and Jeffrey.

He was a member of the Wellsville Masonic Lodge, Hempstead Harbor Club, Triton Association, Chi Phi Fraternity, American Legion, Sea Cliff Republican Club serving as a Republican Committeeman for many years, the Sea Cliff Methodist Church and the Roslyn Teachers Association. Russ worked with the Boy Scouts over the years and enjoyed serving on many Race committies as a member of the Sea Cliff YC.

Russell's great love was in collecting and recycling anything and everything. He was an avid sailor and beachcomer, spending hours walking his dogs on the many beaches in the area. He loved classical music and played the French horn. Russell also spent time gardening and provided vegetables for all to enjoy.

A memorial service will be held at the Sea Cliff Methodist Church on April 14 at 3 p.m. with a reception following in the fellowship hall downstairs. Russell will be buried near his parents in Delaware. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10021 or Sea Cliff Methodist Church Choir Fund, Downing Ave., Sea Cliff, NY 11579.