Frank Wood was an Irish immigrant who settled in Boston, got married, and operated a successful printing business. He died in 1914 and is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Dorchester.

Though the facts of his life are few, he left a significant legacy to support the community. In his will, he left 40 acres of land in Mattapan and $50,000 to establish a “home for destitute convalescents and a home for needy incurables.” The Frank Wood Home for Convalescents and Incurables was built and operated as a 62-bed not-for-profit nursing home for many years.

Due to the building’s design and location, it was impractical to renovate and modernize as needed. In the early 1990s, the Trustees of the Frank Wood Home determined that Mr. Wood’s legacy would be best served by merging its operation with Sherrill House. This merger was completed in 1995, and the additional resources enabled Sherrill House to renovate and expand the existing facility.


In his will, Mr. Wood expressed his belief that “some great good can be accomplished” by caring for the most vulnerable among us. The Frank Wood Wing was named in October 2005 to honor his memory.