Michael Richard Wood

Michael Richard Wood of South Windsor died Saturday, May 14, 2016, at age 28. He was born with a genetic disorder, which led to his untimely death. Although too short, his life was filled with many joys and passions.
Mike was a delight to spend time with as a child. Although his physical activity was limited, he was bright and engaged, learning to read just by looking over his dad and mom's shoulders as they read to him. He excelled in school, with the support of his tutor, Carolyn Gimbrone, who became a good friend. A skilled writer, he wrote extensively outside of school, including original screenplays and stories. He graduated from South Windsor High School in 2005, as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society.
Mike was witty, creative, and hardworking. He had good friends growing up, first in Manchester and later in South Windsor. He loved being a Cub Scout, with many of his close childhood friends. In later years, he enjoyed playing computer and tabletop games and reading political and economic blogs. He was an astute game player and loved playing Warhammer at The Grid in Manchester, and Games Workshop. He participated in theater, both at CAST Children's Theater and at South Windsor High School. Mike was a life-long film enthusiast, and enjoyed watching movies and providing videography services to student productions at CAST.
Mike attended Vassar College. He was an engaged student in the Vassar community, where he directed a one-act play and filmed several productions for student theatre, joined a political student group and served as the Treasurer of the Vassar Filmmakers. Despite interruptions in his studies, he continued his interest in film and economics.
Mike leaves his parents, Alex and Elizabeth (Lisa) Wood of South Windsor; his sister, Laura Wood of Washington, D.C. His loving extended family includes aunts and uncles Betsey Wood, Susan Wood and Barney Bauer, Martha and Ray Nachreiner; Matthew and Ann Rohr; Sarah Rohr; Margaret Rohr; and Kathryn Finnerty ; and first cousins Casey Ehrlich; Claire Dosenberry; Stephanie, Dan and Theresa Rohr; and Anna and Emma Schlachter. He was predeceased by his loving uncle Tom Rohr and by his grandparents, Richard and Ann Rohr of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and Alexander and Evaline Wood, who lived for most of their lives in Moorestown, New Jersey.
Calling hours are 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2016, at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester, Connecticut. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016, 11:00 am at Center Congregational Church, 11 Center St., Manchester, Connecticut. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to organizations that mattered to Mike, especially, CAST Children's Theatre, 113 Summit St., P.O. Box 1268, Manchester, CT 06045-1268; Doctors Without Borders ( www.doctorswithoutborders.org ) or Wikipedia ( www.wikipedia.org ). For Wikipedia, click on "English," then on "Donate to Wikipedia."
To leave a message for his family please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com .


Visitation DetailsFriday, May 20th, 2016 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Holmes Funeral Home
Service DetailsSaturday, May 21st, 2016 11:00am, Center Congregational Church