WESTERLO — Gerald “Pete” Woodruff, an easy-going man who owned and ran Woodruff’s Store with his wife, died on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 at Albany Medical Center as the result of a massive stroke. He was 84.

Mr. Woodruff was born in the town of Westerlo on July 26, 1930, son of the late Herbert and Edith (née Hilson) Woodruff. A 1948 graduate of the Greenville Central Schools, he also attended Cortland State College for two years.

He lived in Texas for a couple of years and sold insurance. In 1972, he purchased Woodruff’s Store from his parents, and with his wife, known as “Bee,” he operated the store until her death in 2004.

He was an avid gun collector and was an excellent gun appraiser.

“He will be remembered for his great smile and easy-going attitude,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He was also known for waiting for his 5 o’clock indulgence and, as everyone knows, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. He was a friend to all he met and will be missed by his many friends.”

He is survived by his stepdaughter, Wanda Alberson; his grandson, Shayne Alberson, and his wife, Angeline; his sister-in-law, Delyghte Woodruff; his niece, Roxanne Horlacher, and her husband, Mike; his nephew, Dennis Udell; four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and all his special friends.

His wife, Blanche “Bee” Saulsbery, died before him, as did his sister, Dorothy Udell; his brother, Burtis “Bert” Woodruff; and his nephew, Darrell Udell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. at the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home at 4898 Route 81 in Greenville, New York 12083. Friends may call at the funeral home before the service, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. As were his wishes, Mr. Woodruff donated his body to the Albany Medical Center Anatomical Research Department. Condolences may be posted online at ajcunninghamfh.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Westerlo Rescue Squad Inc., Post Office Box 12, Westerlo, NY  12193 or to the Conesville Rescue Squad, 369 Durham Rd., Gilboa, NY 12076.