David Patrick Wood

David Patrick Wood, 65, passed away at home February 9, 2026. Born in Oneida, NY to parents Floyd and Florence (Miller) Wood, better known as Bud & Binny, Dave attended numerous schools before graduating from Westmoreland High School in 1978. Dave attended SUNY Cobleskill, where he met his wife of 40 years with whom he shared 4 children who were his world. Dave worked in Physical Plant at SUNY Upstate Medical University for over 30 years in various roles, his favorite of which was as a journeyman carpenter. Dave took the most pride in his work that touched the patients and families of Upstate, helping to create spaces that were clean, warm, and inviting; especially the work he did to support the opening of the Golisano Children’s Hospital addition.

Dave was a dedicated husband, a fiercely loving father and grandfather, and an unrelenting friend who would never think twice about dropping everything to help another. We take solace in the fact that he finished his life as he lived it, with a quiet strength that will endure in the memory of all who knew him.

Dave was anywhere and everywhere his children had an event; every little league game, every band performance, every colorguard competition; if his kids were doing something, he was there beaming with pride. Dave was also deeply committed to his friends, always willing to help with moving, house repairs, or anything else they needed. When they weren’t getting up to Shenanigans, Dave was always helping his friends.

He was a lifelong participant and supporter in the marching arts; marching drum corps with the Fulton Gauchos and the Avante Garde Drum & Bugle Corps, and teaching the New Hartford High School drumline in the early 1980’s. As his children got involved with the Liverpool High School Marching Band, Dave became a dedicated parent volunteer, serving as Equipment Coordinator for 15 years helping numerous generations of performers on and off the field in their pursuit of excellence. Dave and Maureen also served as Booster Presidents, head chaperones, trip coordinators, and any other role needed to support the program.

Dave was a lover of animals including his dog best buddies Elliott and Lucy, and a reluctant but loving cat dad to Rosie and Jake. Dave was passionate about helping lost pets find their way home, frequently sharing posts on social media far and wide to reunite beloved dogs with their families.

Dave was a lifelong fan of the Syracuse Orange and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some of his favorite times were going to games at the Carrier Dome or Heinz Field with his sons, and gathering every Sunday for the Steelers game and yelling at the TV with his boys.

Dave loved going to concerts with his friends and family, dancing and clapping along to bands such as Foo Fighters, Rush, Chicago, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, Metallica, Cheap Trick, Stonesour, Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers, Journey, Kansas, Jethro Tull, Santana, Earth Wind and Fire, Dream Theater, Halestorm, Boston, and many more.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Maureen (Ball) Wood; children David (Rebecca) Wood, Rachel (Dillon) Wood, Daniel (Sarah) Verwij-Wood, and Hannah Wood; grandson Jude Horn and a granddaughter coming in June whom he already loved and adored; as well as innumerable friends who he thought of like family.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on March 14, 2026 at the North Syracuse Masonic Temple, 648 Centerville Place North Syracuse starting at 12:00pm and going through the afternoon. Anyone who knew and loved Dave is invited to attend one last party in his honor, share memories and laughs they shared with him, and have an ice cold Utica Club as he would have wanted. Attendees can join as they are able, and are highly encouraged to wear their best Hawaiian or flannel shirt.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be mailed to the Liverpool High School Marching Band Boosters for a scholarship in his name (LHSMBB, PO Box 2371, Liverpool, NY 13089), or HumaneCNY (4915 W. Taft Road, Liverpool, NY 13088; HumaneCNY.org/donate-now) to support their work connecting pets with loving families.

To share a memory of David or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.