Joseph H. Wood, Jr.

Deacon Joe was born and educated in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from La Salle College and attended Temple University School of Medicine, where he met the “love of his life,” Elizabeth. After joining the U.S. Navy, he did his residency in pathology at Philadelphia Naval Hospital. He was transferred to Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego where he served as Chief of Pathology. Joe’s next assignment was at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington D.C., where he spent three years becoming an expert in dermatopathology. He was Board Certified in Anatomic, Clinical and Dermatopathology. In 1969 Joe resigned from the Navy and was invited to join Palmer Laboratory, La Jolla in private practice. In 1984 he was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of San Diego and was assigned to his home parish, All Hallows Catholic Church in La Jolla where he served until his death. He enjoyed playing cards, especially duplicate Bridge and cribbage; he “knew” the horses and loved the horse races; and never missed doing the daily crossword puzzle in ink. He was especially proud of his children and adored his seven grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth and five children—Susan Wood Wineke (Michael), Joseph H. Wood III (Robin), Cheryl Wood Lopez (Marcos), Michelle Wood Healy (Mark), and Peter Wood (Patricia) and his grandchildren. He was known by many names—Dr. Wood, Deacon Joe, Dad, Grandpa and Dear. The memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place at All Hallows Catholic Church, La Jolla on Friday, March 13th at 4:00 P.M.