Obituary of Richard H. Hood

The Honorable Richard H. Hood, 88 of Gloversville, passed away May 11, 2011 at his residence, surrounded by his family. He was born March 28, 1923 in Gloversville, son of the late Reverend James W. and Sarah Rader Hood. Raised in Johnstown he graduated Johnstown High School in 1941 and served his country in the Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946. Mr. Hood furthered his education at Westminster College, graduating in 1947 and from Boston University Law School in 1950. He has been a practicing attorney in Gloversville for many years. Having served on the Fulton County Board of Supervisors representing the first ward in Gloversville from 1957 to 1960, Attorney Hood also served as Mayor from 1962 to 1969 and also in 1974. He was an integral part of the city transformation during that time frame including the Gloversville-Johnstown joint sewer disposal system, urban renewal projects such as Forest Hill Towers, Kingsboro Towers, Dubois Garden Apartments, the existing City Hall and Police Station and the Fire Department. In addition to serving as Mayor, he was also Fulton County Family Court Judge from 1975 to 1984 and assistant City Attorney for a considerable period of time. Devoted to his community, Attorney Hood was frequently involved in, and an activist for troubled youth programs. It was not uncommon for him to offer his own home to a needy child. He was also involved at the Tryon facility when legal services were needed for a child. For many years he delivered Meals on Wheels and was on the Board of Trustees at the former Fremont St. United Methodist Church. He belonged to the American Legion and VFW Posts in Gloversville and St. Patrick's Lodge # 4 of Johnstown, formerly a member of the Gloversville Lodge # 429. With all of his love and devotion to his faith, his country and his community, nothing can compare to his love for his family. Dick and Pal have attended many hundreds of sporting events and other events of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dick provided countless rides for the grandchildren, often at the spur of the moment. He was never too busy for his family. There was never a single occasion that "Gramps" turned down his children or grandchildren when they needed help, regardless of the time of day. Survivors include his wife Palmyra Carreiro Hood of Gloversville whom he married June 10, 1949. He is survived by his daughters: Cynthia Sheeler Larry, Pamela Fonda William and Marcia Bentley all of Gloversville and John Semione who was a part of the family, and thought of as a son. Fourteen grandchildren survive: Ben Montano Sarah, Nick Montano Kayla, Patrick Montano Brianne, Chris Montano Tiffany, Tom Montano Kayla, Luke Montano, Kara Montano Terry, Ellen Bango John, Elizabeth Bentley, Erin Bentley, Nancy Sheeler Deumaga, Greg Sheeler Lauren, Steve Sheeler Jody and Jesse Hicks. He is also survived by great grandchildren: Julien Deumaga, Andre Deumaga, Rissa Montano, Kyah Montano, Anya Montano, Dominick Montano, and Bailey Parker. He was predeceased by his beloved sister Cynthia at age 4. Funeral services will be held 11 am Saturday at the Gloversville Wesleyan Church, 68 Grand Street in Gloversville with Lead Pastor Larry D. Johnson, officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 4-7 pm at Kobuskie-Konik Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St. Gloversville. Burial with military honors will take place at Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to Gloversville Salvation Army, local use only 10 Grand St. Gloversville or to the Family Counseling Center Emergency Fund, 11 Broadway, Gloversville, N.Y. 12078. Please visit the family online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com