Obituary of Donald E. Sherwood

Donald E. Sherwood, age 78, of Rome, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. Don was born in Rome on June 19, 1936 to the late Stuart and Geraldine Roth Sherwood. He graduated from Rome Free Academy. Following high school, Don proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. On February 20, 1965, he married Joan Kran and moved to Lee Center and then to Taberg. Don worked as an assembler at Pettibone and later as a correctional officer at the Oneida Correctional Facility, where he retired in October 2003. He was also a master carpenter. While raising a family he was involved in Little League baseball, served as a Cub Scouts troop leader and Commissioner of Camden Pop Warner. On October 2, 1987 he married Wilma Parker and they moved to Rome in 1989. She passed away on July 12, 2008. Don was a member of the 82nd Airborne Chapter in Rome and the Frank J. Stetzko Post. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, skier and enjoyed playing racquetball. Don is survived by two sons and a daughter in law, Darren and Beth Sherwood of Taberg and Duane Sherwood of Rome; two step daughters, Mary (Rehbein) Altman and her husband, Michael of Garner, NC, and Jennifer (Rehbein) Dearman and her husband, David of Cary, NC; two stepsons, Mark Rehbein and his wife, Linda of Taberg, and John Rehbein of Taberg. A loving grandfather, Don is also survived by ten grandchildren, Madison Sherwood, Jordan Hall, Mark Rehbein Jr., Kristi Lee Johnson, Michaela Altman, Nick, Stephanie and Jessica Rehbein, and Connor and Avery Dearman; two great grandchildren, Gage and Alivia Johnson and numerous very special nieces and nephews, and a brother, Roger Sherwood, of Clearwater, FL. He was predeceased by a sister, Gladys Harrington and a brother, Dale Sherwood. Don is also survived by "The Hoggs". This group comprised of Bill Reese, Dick Bronson, Ken Kakaty, Bob Spinler, Norris Whitmore, Dave Castor and Dave Vickers. Some of his other steadfast friends included Chuck Wellman, Jack Mautner, Joe Katery, Jan Saga, and Frank Hoke. The family would like to thank some people who helped care for Don and were special to him. They include his nieces Donna Johnson and Rusty Fairbanks and friend, Donna Csete. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 AM at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Taberg. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and/or Hospice & Palliative Care.