Roy Geza Sherry of Woodstock, New York passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by the love of his children Sara, Jonathan, David, and Emily, and his wife, Elizabeth Roche, on July 21, 2025. In his home, surrounded by his books, his Buddhas, his family, and all of his many treasures, Roy found peace at the end of his physical journey.
Roy was a true maverick, his life a tapestry of love, woven together by a quest for knowledge and an insatiable love of reading, laughing, singing, and the search for the best French fries. He wore many hats throughout his storied life, both literally and figuratively. He was a business owner, a hospice volunteer, a driver for the Hudson Valley Federation of Food Co-op’s, and a volunteer for the Table at Woodstock.
He created flutes from bamboo and sold them in his younger years at Mower‘s flea market. He loved to frequent the Woodstock Library book sales and made friends all over the Hudson Valley in his pursuit of understanding, and study of religion. While people often remarked on his size, it was his smile that ultimately drew them in.
Both an activist and a former Marine, his life was a lesson in duality and balance. If there was a common thread, it was the practice of radical acceptance — something he both embodied and taught.
Roy is survived by his four children, his 11 grandchildren, each of whom he built a special relationship with and will carry his legacy of love (Becca, Autumn, Maddie, Jack, Hannah, Elle, Alex, Aidan, Zach, Rainna, and Malachi), his great grandson (Rylan), his beautiful & patient wife, his brother and sister-in-law, Jeffery Slater and Kyra Sahasrabudhe, and his former wife, Mona Slater, as well as all of the people whose lives he touched.
In classic Roy style, he actually wrote his own obituary many years ago before he remarried, and we found it hidden behind a photograph. “Having lived __ years, Roy was considered a success by his peers, being that he came and went just as he pleased. He will be missed mostly by his children and a few close friends. He will be remembered for his laughter and his sorrow, and the nurturing spirit he shared with humankind. In his memory, please be yourself and see to it that a hungry child is fed.”
We thank you Popa for the embarrassment of riches you gifted us with.
Semper Fi.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Table at Woodstock: www.thetableatwoodstock.org.
There will be a celebration of his life in October, please reach out to the family for details.
Join the family! 
