Richard James Wood

Richard James Wood, 75, of Chapel Hill, NC, passed away on May 14, 2026, following a long illness. Born in 1950 in Chelsea, MA, he lived a life devoted to science, education, compassion, and family.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Alayne Ronnenberg; his daughter, Nausikaa (Kevin) Sullivan of Dedham MA; his children, Quan Wood (Thailand), Keyarra Wood, Kenneth Wood, and Maria Wood (Chapel Hill); his brothers and sister in Massachusetts, James Wood, Paul (Carolyn) Wood, Rosemary Szalkowski; and his former wife, Trudy Bauer, a cherished member of the family. He was predeceased by his stepdaughter, Alycia Ronnenberg; his brother, John Wood; and his parents, James Howard and Mary Alice (Kincaid) Wood.

A devoted grandfather, Richard took immense pride in Sarah and Kate Sullivan; Brady, Leila, and Ondine Averch; and Greyson and Anais Wood. He was also a loving uncle to Deanna Mullally, Michael (Robyn) Wood, David (Mary) Wood, and Jenifer (D.W.) Maze.

Richard earned a B.A. in Biology from Boston University and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Connecticut. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, he joined the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, where he conducted influential research on calcium and iron metabolism and mentored numerous graduate students and young scientists. At the University of Massachusetts Amherst he continued his research, mentored colleagues and students, and served as department chair.

After retirement, Richard and Alayne moved to Chapel Hill to be closer to their grandchildren, who brought him great joy. Known for his kindness, humility, wisdom, and generosity, Richard was deeply committed to science, mentorship, and helping others. Above all, he loved children and family, embracing the opportunity to expand his family through adoption later in life.

Richard's warmth, intellect, and compassion will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and former students.