QUEENSBURY --- John (Jack) William Hood, 56, of Queensbury, N.Y., passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2013, at Glens Falls Hospital after a courageous, two yearlong battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on Sept. 20, 1956, son of Robert E. and Thelma M. (Monteleone) Hood, where he attended Taconic High School, graduating in 1975. He was the starting center for the Taconic High football team, winning a State Title in 1974 and a member of the downhill ski team. Upon graduating, Jack began his career path in the automotive industry, later working for Haddad Auto Dealership for nine years. Jack moved to Queensbury, N.Y. in 1996, where he began work as a service manager for The Della' Auto Group. Jack loved every minute of his 17 years of service, leaving the company as their Fixed Operations Director upon his passing. He always cherished his relationship with the people he worked with and especially the Della Bella's, who he considered his second family.

Every summer, Jack could be found entertaining family and friends poolside in his backyard with his quick wit and amazing sense of humor. He never missed his yearly late-summer vacations at Cape Cod, even as recently as this past September. Jack relished in the time spent with his grandchildren and with his "boys" (Jorvik, Sammy, Shilo and Bailey) who were his constant companions in life. Jack also enjoyed taking cruises frequently with his loving wife.

Jack leaves his wife and soul mate, Darah Keays-Hood, who he married on May 15, 2004, at The Georgian Resort in Lake George, N.Y. Darah was truly his heart, his soul, and his "rock" throughout their 17 years together, never leaving his side during his valiant battle with cancer.

Besides his parents Robert E. and Thelma M. Hood he is also survived by his son, Ryan Hood and daughter, Jaclyn Boos (wife of Larry Boos), all of Pittsfield, Mass.; his three sisters, Julie DeWolf (wife of Mark DeWolf) of Pittsfield, Lori Gentzler (wife of the late Thomas Gentzler) of Dalton, Mass., and Tracy Mangiardi of Lanesborough, Mass.; brother-in-law, Bill Keays of South Glens Falls, N.Y.; his grandchildren Johnny, Avery, Caira, Kendall, Addison, Ava, Ashton, and Jack William (due July 16th).

Jack and his family would like to express special gratitude to Dr. Sponzo, Jean VanAuken, and the staff at Tower 2 for their caring support and exceptional service. Also, thanks to Jack's "buddy" Dr. D'Agastino. All of who constantly received the same response throughout his treatment, whenever asked how he was doing, Jack would always simply reply, "I'm Good."

Memorial donations in memory of Jack may be made to C.R. Wood Cancer Center, at Glens Falls Hospital, 102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, March 10, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home at 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY, 12804.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 11, 2013 at 11 a.m., officiated by the Rev. Joseph G. Busch, at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, 448 Aviation Road, Queensbury, N.Y. 12804.

Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.