Gene Wood

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Francis Eugene Wood. He joined our mother Mary Gibbemeyer Wood (deceased 2007) on November 27, 2022. Born October 5, 1926 to Lucius T. Wood and Frances Kaffer Wood in Jacksonville, Illinois, he had a happy life growing up in Carrollton, Illinois and graduated at 16 from Carrollton High School class of 1942. During his high school years he was editor of the school newspaper and played saxophone in the band “Solid Senders.” After two years at the University of Illinois, on his eighteenth birthday he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in WWII. After the war, he graduated from University of Illinois in 1947 as a business marketing major and was a lifetime member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.  

Upon graduation, Gene moved to Cincinnati and began working for the Kroger Company where he excelled in management and sales. He married Mary Gibbemeyer in 1954 and lived there until after Tom was born. They transferred to St Louis where Jody was born. The young family then moved to Long Island, New York where Marcy and Jim were born. In 1961, Gene left New York and moved to Cincinnati to establish his own successful food brokerage firm, Results Inc. that would be regarded as one of the premier companies in the industry. Bill came along in 1963 in the forever family home on Appleknoll Lane in Kenwood. Gene was President of the Cincinnati Food Brokers Association for several years and inspired and nurtured many young executives in their careers.

Gene was a true gentleman and loved deeply. He was a great father, husband, leader and friend. He held himself and others to high standards and ethics. He was a good listener and always there with sound advice, intelligence, encouragement and humor. Gene was a faithful man of God and he was blessed with a full life, sharing love, kindness and compassion to others.

Gene loved to travel, making new friends and experiencing new adventures. He recorded many beautiful memories in his extensive collection of photo albums with details noted for all to enjoy. Gene was a voracious reader and also enjoyed lawn bowling, biking, hiking and relaxing on the beach. He loved a good party and was a great cook for family and friends.

Gene Wood is survived by his loving companion, Frances "Boots" Riggsbee, his five adult children, Tom Wood, Jody (Brian) Connett, Marcy (Kent) Gillen, Jim Wood and Bill (Edith) Wood; nine grandchildren, Kristina, Shaun, Tess, Tyler, Matt, Thomas, Andrea, Igor, Valeria, and two great grandchildren, Kenley and Addie. Gene was dearly loved by Boots and her children, Rob (Becky) Riggsbee, Jamie (Kathy) Riggsbee, Noel Riggsbee, their children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8 at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati from 5 to 7 pm with a Sigma Chi White Rose Ceremony at 7 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Good Shepherd Chapel, 8815 East Kemper Rd. Cincinnati on Friday, December 9 at 12 noon with a Procession to Gate of Heaven Cemetery to follow, 11000 Montgomery Rd. Graveside service and Naval Color Guard will be held at that time.

A reception for family and friends will be held at Kirby’s Restaurant, 378 Bridge St. Cincinnati following the services until 4 pm. Memorials may be sent to the Cancer Society or to your favorite charity in Gene Wood’s name.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene Wood, please visit our floral store.