Tribute Wall
Alex and Michele Chamblin
and 1 other have purchased flowers for the family of Austin Hood. Send Flowers
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daniel wyatt posted a condolence
Sunday, November 26, 2023
austin, we lost contact after you left oregon but i have often thought of you i have so many memories, riding bikes, swim spots, climbing mountains, hiking in the redwoods, one of my favorite happened after i was riding bikes on the bike path and a yellow jacket grabbed onto my lip and stung me over and over again until me and my bike fell over and i watched it fly away shortly after i was the lit way house and you came in came up to me and said my names austin nice to meet you we both laughed for a while after that love you so much you have and will be missed-daniel
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Lindsay Posted Nov 27, 2023 at 6:47 PM
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Danny coury posted a condolence
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Today we gathered to celebrate the life of Austin. Haven’t felt this emotional since my dad passed away. I met Austin as a teenager, guitar in hand, huge smile on his face and an absolute warm welcome from the moment I met him. We connected instantly through music. I was blown away by his absolutely unique style of playing his guitar. He always opened new doors for myself to be unique and take chances while playing music! This was also the way Austin lived his life. He touched so many hearts in so many different places around the globe, and also opened so many doors for people to live outside of their normal little box. Always an adventure! To be unique, to be positive, to start by being warm with people instead of making people work so hard to get in. He was like a brother to me. Sure at times in later years we drifted, but I think that’s normal since Austin’s journey took him one way and mine another, but when talking again or seeing each other it was like picking up where we left off and would always begin with a huge bear hug! So many of us can call him a best friend because the conversations you could share with him were always so deep. Didn’t matter if you just met or known him all your life.
Austin we have countless memories but one I will never forget would be traveling from California to Jersey with you in the middle of winter in my tiny little keep wrangler. We left northern cal in T shirts, no plan at all. Had to put chains on our tires in the middle of the night going over the snowy mountains in Lake Tahoe, laughing the entire time. Freezing our butts off through the early morning sunrise through the desert of Nevada, spun out of control on the icy roads of Nebraska, “nabriska” as we renamed it bc it was so cold!! dealt with the rain through Chicago and once we finally got to Pennsylvania we said , dude we’re almost home and realized that was the longest and foggiest 8 hrs of driving we both ever had experienced. And finally once we arrived home after all that time in the truck, we looked at each other and said, call ya later to hang? And we did! And had one of many amazing nights with close friends. I love you Austin, this world will never be the same without you. You have left such a deep and beautiful impact on so many! My heart goes out to your family to find strength and light during this time! Please save an available guitar up there for me for when we meet again!
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Steve Levin uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 17, 2023
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Austin was my first friend. I met him in the Sun Room at Sundance, age 4, and then we went to Kindergarten together in Mrs. Bowering's class at Wardlaw. Our birthdays were 23 days apart. For the better part of decade, I spent more time with Austin and his family than anyone else outside of my family. I learned how to play soccer, football, basketball, pool, boxing, guitar (and listen to rock'n'roll), and baseball with him-so much baseball and football. As everyone knows, he was an incredible all around athlete-every sport was effortless for him. To this day, I can picture his baseball swing, him on the pitcher's mound, him shooting a 3 pointer, him running a touchdown (so many touchdowns)-all with that smile on his face. It's funny that I felt so competitive with him in all these sports-as you can see in these pictures (I'm in the shades), he had about 10 inches on me-I didn't really stand a chance. My memories go back to his house on Evergreen and Virginia, playing football in his front yard after school with John Eric and BJ, going to Pepe's on Friday nights, staying over his house sleeping on the chairs on the 3rd floor, watching TV late into the night. Every time I think about it since he passed, I uncover another memory as clear as can be. His jackets, his hats, his clothes, the smells and feelings of childhood.
And then of course there was the charisma.
When he went to Watchung Hills, we grew apart a little, but always felt connected. We still loved the same music, thought about the same big things, cared deeply about one another. We always had that bond that goes way way back.
In the past couple years, we got to reconnect again after life pulled us apart once more. It was extremely fulfilling to get to see him last year when he was visiting his family in NJ, back from Hawaii. He came into the city and we walked along the High Line for a couple hours, having a cup of coffee, him catching me up on the amazing personal and professional progress he had made in Hawaii. We hugged and promised to keep in better touch.
This past March, I was driving back from Plainfield to NYC and stopped at Pepe's (the pizzeria on Watchung Ave that we spent dozens of Friday nights at), really just to get a picture of it to send to him. He replied "The one and only! You remember playing in the alley?" which of course I did. That memory was burned into our mutual consciousness, back when we were best friends in the whole world. I will miss him a lot and I'm so glad that we stayed lifelong friends. Love you, Austin and all my love to Mary, Tom, and Judd.
-Steve Levin
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Kierstin Ferrante Dinella lit a candle
Thursday, November 16, 2023
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There are some people who, regardless of time, leave a lasting mark on your heart. I met Austin when I was five at Wardlaw. He was, from as early as age five, the cutest boy in school. And as the years went on, his stature never faltered. Girls wanted to date him, guys wanted to be him. His smile and charisma pulled you in. He was smart, fun, athletic, and nice. During our later years at the lower school, Austin and I started car pooling to school together…and we became good friends. And I always felt so honored that Austin Hood actually liked me. Like getting to be his friend was an honor bestowed upon me. Of course he never knew that. And even though he left Wardlaw, that feeling has always remained in my heart. Since eighth grade I’ve run into Austin two or three times, and every time he greeted me with that amazing smile and a big hug. And every time that feeling that laid dormant in my heart awoke. Over the years I’ve always thought of him…wondered if I’d have the honor of running into him again… And the fact that now I never will, truly breaks my heart. Austin, you will forever be missed but never be forgotten!
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Alex and Michele Chamblin purchased flowers
Thursday, November 16, 2023
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Alex and Michele Chamblin
purchased the White Florist's Choice for the family of Austin Hood.
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We are so thankful for the time spent with you here in SC; who knew picking out countertops could be so fun! We will miss you. Rest in peace, friend.
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Edward J. Santoro, Jr. & Staff purchased flowers
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
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Edward J. Santoro, Jr. & Staff
purchased the Florist's Choice Bouquet for the family of Austin Hood.
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With deepest sympathy,
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Peter Della Ventura uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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In life there are a few things, if you’re lucky a lot of us get to experience. Friendship, a closeness with someone, a deep meaningful relationship that fills many parts of your life with a joy and light. It’s someone to share your thoughts and feelings with that you wouldn’t necessarily tell anyone else. You learn from this and grow as a person from the feedback you receive. I am who I am today because I had a friend who was one of the most beautiful, intelligent, loving souls with amazing ideas talents and interest the world had ever seen. I love this man like I’ve loved no other. He was my light my hetero life mate and my partner for many many years. My hero my guru my brother. We lived an unrestricted amazing life together in many places and had many adventures together too numerous to count. We pushed limits and experienced ecstasy and also came close to death on a few occasions. I.E. the Grand Canyon. During our formative years we dreamed big and had faith we would have the time to do all the audacious idealistic adventures we dreamed of. I feel him with me still! I don’t have any siblings but I had a brother whom I know and was known to him completely. I love you so much Austin and I’ll see you soon. I know you will be waiting for me with a beautiful knowing smile. Pete Della Ventura
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Lindsay Freedman posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
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Austin,
It is very hard to find the words to share here. i would rather share a million songs, with lyrics like crashing waves, velvet gospel, and smoke filled underground dance floors. With guitar riffs that pitter the heart and enchant closed eyes. With open roads and motorcycle engines booming off the tall mountain walls stretching into a cloudless blue sky. I’d rather share music.
You gave so much joy to so many in your years on this earth in this body and yet you suffered from so much heartache. I know I am not alone in wishing that you could have believed in yourself and your worth and your purpose the way those around you did.
Over the past 20+ years, I have appreciated your humor and willingness to always listen and respond with understanding, concern, and music. I loved reminiscing about our youthful adventures and then getting to know your family, partner, and business through our calls. You fought and surrendered and now you live on in every giggling child with wild eyes and music in their very essence. You are the king of giving compliments and helping people feel good about themselves, ironically hating receiving compliments yourself.
Sometimes we simply sent Apple Music links back and forth - letting music be our whole conversation. I will miss waking up to an excited voicemail, “Linds, Linds, you gotta check out these licks- I think I got something- Get back to me with some of that, you know, some of that!”
And then checking the attachment to witness guitar licks filled with the dense forests and grimy sidewalks of your life. I’d try to reply with some improvised vocals recorded on my phone while running after my kid. You spoke in music and I will miss that the most, perhaps. And your laugh. You lit up the world with your smile and humor.
In my heart and memory forever, I will live fully to honor you and see you in the Hotsprings, wide open freeways, and cramped jazz clubs of life. My heart is so sad for your family, beautiful parents, brother, cousins and wide array of friends across the globe — we miss you.
For anyone who’d like to add songs that you knew Austin loved or that remind you of him— this link should work. Please contact me if you have any trouble adding music.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5F367vzeejaGVTwmGtisA3?si=91LAvzAGT76xOSuo91zCVg&pt=cff9d9cd9777d5d788372527124ca08d
For those close to Oregon, or wherever who’d like to get together or connect - I’d love that as well. I don’t know that I’ll be able to make it to Jersey but my heart is there to celebrate this fine human we all love.
Austin, see you bro. Don’t be a stranger.
Lindsay Freedman, The Bronx/ Oregon
Lindsayafreedman@gmail.com
203-581-2682
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Sarette Arsenault uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, November 5, 2023
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Sarette Arsenault uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, November 5, 2023
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Crane Lake, MN Summer of 2000 or 2001
We hired a shuttle boat to drop us off and canoed and kayaked our way back to the dock— in two or three nights (with guru Eli). We had spaghetti dinner and a bon fire. I believe this trip may have been what inspired Austin to buy me a nice old school camera for my birthday that fall. Thanks old friend. I’ll try to find some guitars to photograph for you. Please Rest in Peace!
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Christopher Cook posted a condolence
Saturday, November 4, 2023
I can remember the night we met and became friends over a game of pool in Ashland, Oregon; From that day on you were always a guaranteed source of love, laughter and true friendship. My heart broken to learn of your passing from this world, you will be sorely missed. God speed little brother, I will catch you next time. All my love , for all eternity.
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Danny uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 3, 2023
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Austin was a man eager to meet the world. He laughed from his belly. He charmed from his heart. Austin’s first foot forward was kindness, his second was compassion.
You will be missed. You will always be loved. Your spirit carries forward. Grateful for you.
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Bri Baker posted a condolence
Thursday, November 2, 2023
I learned today about the passing of your dear soul. You started as just another guy I see on jobsites to a dear friend that I bonded quickly with. Your charisma was magnetic and your humor could fill a room with laughter. You were talented, ambitious and your kindness was unwaivering. Now, you're gone. Even though I know you're gone and you will never answer, I have an urge to call or text. In denial that you won't respond with "what's good Ms Bri?" Or "sup dude!"
My heart goes out to his family and friends. I hope they all find some comfort in knowing the impact he made on so many everywhere he went.
Aloha and A Hui Hou
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Jim uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, November 2, 2023
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For you bro.
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Jim Nagle lit a candle
Thursday, November 2, 2023
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There will always be a special place in my heart for you, my friend. I am beyond devastated by this tragic news, as we all are, and your time on Kaua'i.
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John Charles & Virginia Mazzilli planted a tree in memory of Austin Hood
Thursday, November 2, 2023
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Austin you will be missed and in our thoughts forever !
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The family of Austin Hood uploaded a photo
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
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We, the Higgins family, for over 135 years and four generations, have been privileged to serve the families and the community as a whole with professional service and personal attention.
WATCHUNG Location
752 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069
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