HUDSON FALLS – Lester “Les” “Giga” Wood, Sr., 75, was reunited with the love of his life, Marge on Friday, May 19, 2023, in Granville.
Born on April 19, 1948, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Alvin F. and Carmella (Penucci) Wood.
Les was a 1966 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.
On March 10, 1979, he married the love of his life, Marge Brooks at Hudson Falls United Methodist Church.
In his younger years, he delivered milk for Van Aernem’s Dairy and started an apprenticeship with General Electric in Hudson Falls, he worked for over his 20 years with General Electric, he felt honored to make parts for the Star Wars program. He later moved on to work for Parker’s Machine and Jenks Machine for many years. During this time, he had a side job of delivering the Post Star. After he left Jenks Machine, he was able to take his love of Tool and Die Making to Serotta Bikes in Saratoga Springs. He was on the team that developed and designed Serotta Bikes first Carbon Fiber frames, he was so proud of his work, he carried a demo frame in his trunk next to his golf clubs to show people what he was talking about. After Serotta closed, he worked for Haanen Packard Machinery, Inc until his retirement. Sitting around wasn’t for Giga though, he took his gift of gab and drove UBER for several years until his health wouldn’t allow it anymore.
Throughout his life, Les had his struggles, and when he was searching for answers, he decided to attend a little church meeting in a storefront in Hudson Falls. He was surprised to see his former bartender, Paul Armstrong, Sr. was a pastor of this church. Les surrendered his life to God and from that day on Giga and Marge faithfully attended New Life Baptist Church. At the time of his death, he was one of the longest members of the church. Les served many years, mowing the lawn and shoveling the snow at church, many times enlisting family members to help him. He also served as a trustee, longtime treasurer, Sunday School teacher of the Bible Brothers Class and bus and van driver. Because of his love for children, hundreds of children in the Hudson Falls, Glens Falls, Fort Edward, Queensbury and surrounding areas were able to attend church, hear the same gospel that changed his life, all while getting a bag of candy and a warm hotdog to go home with. It didn’t matter who the kid was or where they came from, he treated them all the same.
Throughout his life, it was rare to see Les and Marge apart. When Marge’s health was failing, he faithfully stood by her side and took care of her. His heart broke on December 12, 2018, when Mima joined her savior. After her passing he spent his days with family and continued to raise his grandson, Neal, whom he raised as a son.
Les was very knowledgeable about many subjects and was always willing to give advice and be the family therapist when needed.
In addition to his parents, and wife Marge “Mima” Wood, he was predeceased by his brother, Neal Wood, his son, Jimmy Wood and many more extended family members.
He is survived by his children, Lester Wood, Jr., Jackie Lewis and her husband, Jamel, Shawn Wood and his wife, Cindy, Lori Zapete and her husband, Jefferson and Neal Wood; his grandchildren, Michael, Andrew, Ali, LJ, Annie, Salena, Ryan, Dylan and Jules; two great grandchildren, Daniel, Kayla, Avery, Lola and Eddy; his sister, Elaine Smith; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Everyone is welcome to a celebration of Giga’s life 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 3rd at Jackie’s home, 3 Winterberry Lane, Fort Edward, NY 12828.
Les will be laid to rest with his wife at Moss Street Cemetery at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be sent to Autism Speaks, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037-0148.