Bruce Wood Sr. Obituary
Bruce passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2024. A kind, gentle man, "Coach" always saw the good in people and was loved by many.
His family included his wife, Pat of 69 years, and his five children Patti, Bruce (Susan), Kathy (Joe), Beth (Ray) and Stephen (Lori). He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Sr. Kathy Wood OSF and brother-in-law Fr. Eugene Sousa OP. His mother, Helen and grandmother, "Nanama" greeted him in heaven.
Bruce grew up in Berkeley and Sacramento, CA. He attended Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, was pitcher on the baseball team and made many lifelong friends. He graduated in '51 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame at Christian Brothers in 2008. Bruce attended college at Cal Poly and continued his baseball career, followed by two years as corporal in the army at Ford Ord. He was married to Patricia Sousa in Berkeley in 1954 and then moved to Fresno where he completed his college education and started a family. In 1959, the family moved to Lafayette. He worked as a salesman at Jacuzzi Whirlpool for several years. In 1964, he initiated a Little League charter in Lafayette and the community of parents and friends came together and built the fields on St Mary's Road. He also coached Colt, Pony League, Babe Ruth and American Legion teams and enjoyed working with the young men in the area and sharing his passion for baseball. He started his business, California Medical Supply where he enjoyed supporting customers and getting to know the community for 47 years. He retired at the age of 81.
Bruce had a passion for baseball and was devoted to coaching. Many hours were also spent watching DeLaSalle football games come rain or shine and he stayed until the bitter end - the last fan standing at many games. Besides being a sports enthusiast, he enjoyed many trips with the family to far away places, but the best memories were the many trips to the Tahoe family cabin where he enjoyed "smelling the pines".
The family would like to thank Susana and all of Bruce's dedicated caregivers at Oakmont of Concord, and Risper and Maria. Their care and kindness shown to Bruce was a blessing.
Bruce will be remembered as a kind husband, father, loyal friend and a dedicated baseball coach and sports fan. His presence and strength will be missed but we celebrate him as he rounded third base and headed Home.
Family and friends are invited to a funeral mass at St. Perpetua Church in Lafayette on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:00am followed by a gathering to continue celebrating his life at the parish hall. A private family burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks for donations in his name to the charity of your choice.
