HINSDALE — Duane Sherwood, 73, of Hinsdale, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, after an illness.

He was born in Olean to Wallace and Madge Sherwood. Duane was married to his wife, Janet Ross Sherwood, in Olean.

Duane was a 1971 graduate of Bolivar Central School. He is also a 1973 graduate of Alfred Ag & Tech and a 1993 graduate of Alfred State.

Following his schooling, he worked at Dresser for 11 years and Eaton for 35 years.  He retired in 2019.

In his youth, Duane loved working on his grandfather’s farm alongside his uncle. He was a Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed martial arts.

Duane was known by all of those who loved him as someone who is kind, funny and generous. He said hello to everyone he passed on the street and could strike up conversation with anyone he met. Friends, family and strangers could always count on him to stop and help them no matter what.

Known as the jokester of the family, he was always “starting stuff” but claiming it wasn’t him. Duane was the definition of the “fun uncle.” From starting wrapping paper snowball fights at the Family Christmas Party to making accurate cow mooing sounds, Duane made family gatherings full of laughter and memories. When his family members would tease him back, he would always ask where they learned that from. It’s safe to say they learned from the best.

Despite growing up in a house full of sisters, Duane always made sure they knew he was their brother. He was fiercely protective of them and toughened them up with his antics. From always giving them bear hugs to picking on them, Duane was the best brother a sister could ask for.  Duane’s brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law weren’t just “in-laws.” They were his brothers and sisters. He got into plenty of shenanigans with them too. Duane’s favorite thing to do was spend time with his family and friends.

Devoted to his wife of 42 years, Janet was the love of his life. He strived to always take care of her and make sure she had everything she needed. Duane always brought her favorite things back when taking solo trips without her and loved the vacations they took together. They enjoyed watching football together any time it was on.

Surviving are his wife, Janet; his sisters, Joanne (Donald) Moses, Joyce Boddie, Kathleen Visseau and Carol (Richard) Sherwood; brothers- in-law and sisters-in-law, Linda (Bill) Duncan and David (Kathy) Ross; along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great-nephews; and his beloved dog, Sam.

A memorial service is to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Against All Oddz: Venmo: @againstalloddzaa; Zelle, (716) 445–4119, PayPal: @againstalloddz; or Senior Advocacy Group, Inc; 301 N. Union St., Box 13, Olean, NY, 14760, Venmo: @senioradvocacygroup.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.