Obituary of Peter A. Wood

Peter Aubrey Wood

Peter "Pete" Aubrey Wood, 65, of Sidney, NY passed away suddenly at his home on Saturday, February 23. His dear friend, Rinda Felske Brown, was by his side.

Pete was born to Edwin and the late Jacqueline Dunshee Wood on August 23, 1953. He grew up on Cartwright Avenue in Sidney, where he and his four siblings, along with many other kids, played pool at the Wood house and made mischief around the neighborhood. In 1971, he graduated from Sidney Central School and married his high school sweetheart, Colette DeCocker.

Pete worked hard to build a homestead for his family on a one-acre lot along the Susquehanna River. By day he was a machinist at Amphenol and Sidney Warrior sports fan cheering for his four sons. By night, he was the bassist and vocalist for his country-rock group "The Misty River Band," performing for audiences throughout the Southern Tier for over a decade. In between, Pete maintained the property creating a haven for visitors and generously sharing his little piece of heaven.

Shortly after his retirement (after 40+ years at Amphenol), Pete took on the role of caregiver to Colette, who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Following her death in early 2017, he worked tirelessly with family to build Muddy River Farm Brewery, located on the homestead and overlooking the river. The brewery now stands as a monument to the way Pete and Colette lived their lives – filled with friendship, good times, and beautiful Susquehanna sunsets.

In 2018, Pete was blessed to reconnect with his very first girlfriend from 50 years prior, Rinda Felske Brown. Over the past year, the couple took advantage of retirement by traveling abroad, attending concerts and football games, and visited friends near and far. While his departure feels entirely too premature, family and friends are grateful that Pete's last year was filled with adventure, relaxation, and love.

Pete was predeceased by his mother, Jaqueline and wife, Colette. He is survived by his father, Edwin; siblings Joelene Cole, Mike, Tom (Beth), and Andy Wood; children Garrett (Candace), Jared (Christina), Aaron (Jeanette), and Jeff (Lisa); grandchildren Hannah, Caroline, Taylor, Lily, Owen, and Whitney; girlfriend Rinda Felske Brown; and many other family members and friends.

Calling hours are scheduled for Thursday, February 28 from 5-8 pm at C.H. Landers Funeral Home, 21 Main Street in Sidney. The funeral will be held at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty Street at 11 am on Friday March 1. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people consider making a donation to the Delaware Otsego Audubon Society's Golden Eagle Research Project (visit www.doas.us).

Share condolences with the family online at www.landersfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.