Port of Brownsville
Word was received last night on the passing away of longtime public servant John Wood. He was 79 years of age.
Wood arrived in Brownsville in 1970 as a 23-year-old Southwestern Bell company manager. More than five decades later, he is retiring from public service after helping shape some of the city’s most consequential civic projects, from establishing City Hall on the former site of the U.S. Federal Courthouse to negotiating an international bridge that carries millions of dollars in commerce each day.
His work also includes revitalizing Cameron Park, one of Cameron County’s most underserved neighborhoods, and helping anchor the Rio Grande Valley’s leading maritime port.
Along the way, Wood contributed significantly to the development and growth of major community institutions that continue to shape Brownsville’s civic and cultural landscape. These efforts include helping to establish the Brownsville Event Center; the Tennis Center, developed with the support of benefactors Al Roser and Carl Chilton; the Mitte Foundation; and Veterans Park, as well as negotiating the City of Brownsville’s purchase of landfill property from the Port of Brownsville.
Additionally, with the assistance of historian Chula Griffin, he helped rehabilitate the old city cemetery.
He also provided state‑level testimony on behalf of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board in support of municipally owned utilities and participated in Brownsville Police Department ride‑alongs, experiences he said broadened his understanding of public safety, governance, and frontline decision‑making. Throughout his career, Wood maintained close working relationships with community leaders, including Rubén Edelstein, as part of his efforts to connect local priorities with regional and state institutions.
While serving as County Commissioner, Wood worked with Cameron County staff and officials in Mexico City to relocate the rail line out of the cities of Brownsville and Matamoros, creating a safer community and establishing a more direct route from the Port of Brownsville to Mexico.
His last chapter, a 12-year tenure on the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners, ended with gratitude and a perspective forged by service and responsibility.
Our condolences to his friends and family
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, the 13th of November 2026 between the hours of 3 P.M. and 9 P.M., with the recitation of the holy rosary to begin at 7 P.M. Friday evening within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 A.M. Saturday, the 14th of November 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Road, Brownsville. All services will conclude at the church.
7 comments:
A wonderful man and patriot to the community, the moral compass to every board he served on, a man who loved Brownsville more than himself and fought everyday for the little man , a man that I could always go to to make the right decision , We didnt deserve John Wood, But we are glad that he is part of Brownsville history
Una perdida irreparable para su familia,amigos y ciudadanos de Brownsville
Descanse en paz
More importantly, I believe that is Kris in the photo and he will take the reins after getting his orders from Cowen, Esteban, Schafer, Cardenas and the clients/click. I am not sure if “Turi” belongs in this conversation. But it is ok… Erin G is attractive and maybe she’ll give the new governer the best Oh she’s ever had. I would like to experience that also. But before I go off another tangent: Stay armed and save your money-😘
"O, MY GOODNESS!"😂
Mr. Wood, and the entire Wood family are assets to all of Cameron County. While I lived in Brownsville, I am humbled by the kindness of the Wood family in guiding me within the community and accepting my family into theirs. To learn of John's passing is heartbreaking. I last spoke with him about a week ago and he wad at peace with the world. He was a remarkable and kind gentleman, capable of bringing people and ideas together. I am grateful for having known him and calling him my friend.
Steve Tyndal
John Wood, thank you for everything you did for us!
John Wood is everything Ernie Hernandez wishes he was …. One will be remembered for his continuous community projects the other for how he got away with not going to prison.
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