Scarborough – Arthur J. Wood, 93, formerly of Portland, Maine and Simsbury, Connecticut, passed away February 25, 2023 at Piper Shores in Scarborough, with his daughters Karen and Cynthia by his side.
Arthur was born February 6, 1930 in Evansville, Indiana, the oldest son of Arthur Jennings Wood and Hattie (McGuire) Wood. Arthur attended Mt. Carmel High School in Illinois, Southern Illinois University, and graduated from the University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1958. He was joyful when he discovered the world of computers and found out he could earn a living programming.
Arthur had a 30-year career as a Systems Analyst for National Cash Register (NCR), working his way up in the computer world. He enjoyed the complexity of mainframe systems. For a post-retirement job with Aetna, he helped medical office managers install their software on PCs. He proudly retired for the third and final time when he was 84.
High school sweethearts, Arthur and Rita Ann (Foster) were married on August 19, 1950, at St. Mary’s of Redford church in Detroit. He was drafted into the US Army in 1951, serving as an engineer, in the Sixth Armored Division in Kaiserslautern, Germany. After returning to the states, they began to build their life and family together, having six children, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. His role as provider for the family that he cherished was very important to him. His family admired him greatly as a role model and loving man to whom family was everything.
Arthur was an avid gardener, in the early years perhaps eager to feed his ever-growing family, and in his later years, generously sharing his bounty with co-workers. He tried something new each year and even grew peanuts in Maine. Walking through the woods with his children and grandchildren, he always found special things like blue jay feathers, Indian pipes, and even knew individual birds’ songs. He was a problem solver in every aspect of his life, from work to guiding his family.
After the death of his wife in 2011, he spent a great deal of time at Evergreen Cemetery, pointing out the unusual witches’ broom tree formation to many visitors. He logged many miles on his Fitbit walking in his neighborhood near Washington Ave Extension, waving to passersby. His waves drew the attention of many who looked out for him and whose day he brightened.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife Rita, son Arthur Jeffrey, and brother Raymond, he is survived by children Cynthia McLellan, Karen Knights, David (Cynthia) Wood, Martha (Steve) Sjogren, and Amy Wood.
The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the caring staff at Piper Shores, his Martin’s Point comprehensive care nurses, the Enclave of Scarborough, and Hospice of Southern Maine.
Visitation will be held at Jones, Rich, and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, on Friday, March 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine 390 US Route One, Scarborough, Maine 04074 or charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for the Wood family.
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