Rev. Michael A. Hood

Reverend Michael A. Hood, 73, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, unexpectedly on July 25, 2026, at his residence in New Sweden. He was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on May 9, 1953, the son of William and Adrienne (Szymanski) Hood. Mike graduated from Starpoint High School in Lockport, New York, and later attended Faith School of Theology, where he studied Pastoral Ministries. 

From the moment he answered God's call to ministry, his life's purpose was clear: to faithfully preach the Gospel, teach God's Word, and help others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. His pastoral journey began at Full Gospel Assembly in Presque Isle, Maine, and continued at Seaview Full Gospel in Back Bay, New Brunswick, Dover-Foxcroft Assembly of God in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, and Lighthouse Assembly of God in Rochester, New Hampshire. Along the way, he became a beloved instructor at Faith School of Theology, where he taught for many years. Mike possessed a remarkable gift for teaching Scripture with clarity, wisdom, and practical application. Many who sat under his teaching affectionately described him as the finest Bible teacher they had ever known. His greatest joy was watching people discover the truth of God's Word and grow in their faith.God later led Mike and his family west to continue their ministry at The Family Church in Hesperia, California, and then to Hebron Assembly of God in Hebron, Nebraska. In 2019, he answered the call to pastor Caribou Assembly of God, where he faithfully served both the church family and the greater community until the Lord called him home. While Mike loved preaching from the pulpit, some of his most meaningful ministry happened quietly behind the scenes. He believed every person was created in the image of God and worthy of dignity, compassion, and hope. When families were grieving loved ones whose lives had been claimed by addiction, Mike willingly made himself available to officiate their funerals. He believed every person deserved to be remembered with dignity and laid to rest with compassion, and he considered it a privilege to stand beside hurting families during some of their darkest moments. 

Outside of ministry, Mike found great joy in God's creation. He was an avid hunter who cherished time spent in the woods with family and friends, especially a memorable moose hunt in 2025. He remained a lifelong Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan and, after his years in Nebraska, proudly added the Nebraska Cornhuskers to the teams he faithfully cheered on. To know Mike was to know someone who genuinely loved people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and often did. He was a gifted storyteller whose warmth, humor, and sincere interest in others made every conversation memorable. Whether around the dinner table, in a church foyer, or over a cup of coffee, he had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Of all the titles Mike held throughout his life—Pastor, Reverend, Teacher—his favorite roles were husband, father, and "Papa." He loved Ruth faithfully for more than 51 years, delighted in his daughters, and treasured every moment he spent with his grandchildren. Above every accomplishment and every ministry assignment, Mike wanted one thing to define his life: that he faithfully proclaimed Jesus Christ. His greatest passion was the Gospel. He never stopped believing that lives could be transformed by God's grace, and he devoted every season of his life to building God's Kingdom. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the pastors and leaders he mentored, the churches he shepherded, and the family he loved so deeply.

Reverend Hood is survived by his beloved wife of over 51 years, Ruth (Chaney) Hood of New Sweden; his mother, Adrienne Hood of Lockport, New York; three daughters, Carrie Clark of Columbia, Maryland, Kristin Town and her husband, Brett, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Caitlin Hood of Omaha, Nebraska; his siblings, Robert Hood of Lockport, New York, Dennis Hood of East Northport, New York, James Hood of Lockport, New York, Roger Hood of Gasport, New York, and Jackie Tower of Youngstown, New York; his cherished grandchildren, Brooklynn, Olivia, Harper, Addison, and Grayson. He was predeceased by his father, William Hood.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Caribou Assembly of God, 116 Sweden Street, Caribou, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Bruce Blakney officiating. Following the service, all are invited to the Activity Center for a time of continued fellowship. Those wishing to honor Rev. Hood's life and ministry may make a memorial contribution to support Ruth as she navigates the days ahead. Your prayers and expressions of kindness are deeply appreciated. Contributions may be made via cash, check or Venmo @Ruth-Hood-6. 

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." _{— 2 Timothy 4:7}