Gary D. Hood

Gary D Hood, of East Branch, NY, passed away at home following a lengthy health battle, in the home he and his wife built, 55 years ago. His wife, daughter, and faithful canine companion, Riley, were by his side.
Gary was born April 11, 1940 to Ivan Hood and Elsie Johnson Hood, in the town of Colchester. He attended, and then graduated, from Downsville Central School in 1957. Gary served his country in the National Guard. Later, he became a member of Carpenters Local Union 281, serving on their Executive Board, and contributed to the construction of many buildings in and around Binghamton, while working with Nezleke Construction.
Gary married his high school friend & sweetheart, Carol Lewis, on May 17, 1963 at the United Methodist Church in East Branch, NY.
He took an early interest in building, his craftsmanship was unmatched-he designed and built custom homes from the ground up, and later applied his skills to Alta Log Homes, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and artistry.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open Wood-N-Wares, a hardware and building supply business in Downsville. Before retiring, he created Covered Bridge Antiques, a store that reflected his passion for history and collecting. Many have described it as part antique shop, part museum-a place where Gary's creativity and love for preserving the past was on display.
A man of many interests, Gary was a founding member of the Covered Bridge Car Club, he enjoyed restoring antique automobiles and attending car shows near and far. He was also a proud member of the East Branch Fire Department, honored as Fireman of the Year in 1992, and served his community for several years on the Downsville Central School Board of Education.
Beyond his work and service, Gary cherished time outdoors and with his family. He found joy in fishing, hunting (aka: walking in the woods and checking on his trees), snowmobiling, woodworking, antiquing, and traveling. One of his greatest adventures was a trip to Alaska with his family in a 5th Wheel Camper-a dream fulfilled. He and Carol also enjoyed journeys to Florida, Texas, Michigan, and beyond, making cherished memories.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Ivan & Elsie Hood, brother Richard (Dick) Hood, and brother, William (Bill) Hood.
He is survived by his wife Carol Hood, daughter Michele Hood, and his sister Audrey Wood, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to friend, Anthony Miraglia, and to Erica Collins and Jeannine Bivens of UHS Primary Care Downsville, for their compassionate care, which allowed Gary to remain in the home he cherished, surrounded by family and his furry friends.
Calling Hours will be held at Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel in Hancock, NY, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 2-4 pm. A brief time of remembrance will follow at 4pm. As a lifelong resident of the area, Gary will be buried at Paige Cemetery in Downsville, NY at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary's memory can be made to: East Branch Fire Department, 29 Bridge Street, East Branch, NY 13756, East Branch Ambulance, PO Box 335, East Branch, NY, 13756, or to the Colchester Historical Society, PO Box 112, Downsville NY, 13755.
Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary, please visit our floral store.