He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Elizabeth (Betty Powers) and his brother Michael. He is survived by his brothers Joseph (Sherre) of Evanston, IL, William (Roxanne) of Penfield, NY, David (Vicky) of Horseheads, NY, and his sister-in-law Jean Cullen of Elmira, NY. He was the beloved uncle to Adam, Brian (Kate), Ethan, Matthew, Jaimi, and Lindsey. He adored his great-nephew Graham. Terry is also survived by his former partner David Shetler; lifelong friends Joseph Egnaczak and Michael McCann, and very close friends Peter Mesh, Peter Slattery, Ron Gleason and Bill Capone, his Goddaughter Marielle Celeste Brown and her mother Lisa Brown, and many dear friends.
Terry was born in Elmira, NY on April 6, 1955. He graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School in Elmira Heights, NY in 1973. He was on the swim team and remained an avid swimmer his whole life. Terry competed in the Gay Games in Vancouver in 1990. Terry attended Corning Community College and the State University of New York at Alfred where he obtained a degree in Nursing. He later went on to earn an MPA from Syracuse University. Terry worked for the State of New York for nearly 40 years, first as a nurse and then in the Budget Department, where he retired as the Deputy Director of Medicaid Finance.
Terry loved to travel and enjoyed his many adventures with family and friends, especially his trips abroad, to any beach anywhere, and to Wanakena in the beautiful Adirondacks. Terry played on the volleyball league in Syracuse for many years and continued to play after moving to Albany. He was also active in a tennis league in Albany, and he continued to play tennis, swim, and even learned to play pickle ball the last year of his life. Terry volunteered as a teen mentor for many years. After retiring, Terry volunteered at Albany Medical Center and Parsons Child & Family Center because he found great joy when working with children.
Terry will be remembered for his kind heart, his thoughtful nature, and his gentle spirit. Terry was beloved by many. This was made clear by the outpouring of support shown by so many friends who helped him navigate his challenging final years. What a blessing and what a gift to him!
A memorial service will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to support Alzheimer’s research, with the hope that fewer people will have to live with this dreadful disease. Please send your donation in memory of Terry to the Alzheimer’s Association online at act.alz.org/donate or mail your gift to the Alzheimer’s Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
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