Michael Joseph Terry

On Thursday, May 25, 2023 around 10:00AM in the ICU at Memorial Health in Springfield, IL, Michael Joseph Terry of Springfield, IL and Hollywood, Fl, departed this earth to journey to Heaven to join his Savior in addition to joining respected, loved and cared about family members and friends as well as cherished pets who had passed before him. Although he was not conscious, this happened with his wife Sue laying in the bed next to him holding him and telling him how much he was loved and respected and was such a good and kind man. And she told him how he was going to be whole again and not suffer the debilitating effects of stage 5 Parkinson’s disease. And she told him those left here would be fine, and he could watch us from above. She told him she was happy for him, and sad for those who would miss him.

Michael was born on March 19, 1932 in New York City the son of Michael “Mickey” Terry (Tirro) and Esther Goldberg Terry.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Pat Pagan, and many aunts, uncles, other family members and cared about and beloved friends.

Michael spent his childhood in New York City. Like many children of the Great Depression era, he and his sister spent the majority of their childhood in an orphanage and in separate foster homes. At age 15, he chose a different life for himself. He lied about his age and joined the US Army; staying for 21 years until he was 36 years old. During his time he earned a college degree by attending in person night classes when available at the locations of his various assignments.

When he retired from the Army as a Major, he joined Xerox Corporation for another 21 year career serving in various positions until retirement as Manager, Major Accounts Programs. That was in 1989 in the Northwestern Chicago Suburbs.

His Army career was quite varied. He was a Master Parachutist with over 80 jumps and a member of Special Forces. He was in war 4 times…twice in the Korean War and twice in the Viet Nam War. Prior to a tour in Viet Nam he attended the Defense Language Institute and learned to speak Vietnamese. He served on General Westmorland’s staff and as an advisor to the South Vietnamese. In this capacity as advisor, he lived in the jungle with the South Vietnamese and, with them, battled the North Vietnamese. It was most likely during this time he was exposed to Agent Orange. After returning to the United States and while still in the Army he served in various positions, to include heading the JROTC in Chicago schools. Additionally, while in the Army, he earned 2 Bronze Stars and 1 Purple Heart and 10 additional Medals.

Before meeting his current wife – the former - Sue (Shymansky) Michael in 1977, he was married to Lib Driggers and then Cindy Grooms. Both of those 2 prior marriages resulted in divorce. Left to miss him terribly and love him is his wife Sue, whom he married in 1979. Other family members who are left without him here on earth are his son Bob Terry (Genie) in addition to grandchildren Michael Sterner (Logan), Heather Lore, Elizabeth Fosdick (Frank) and Natalie Terry. Also, he leaves behind 13 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Michael participated in and enjoyed many activities. To mention some, he enjoyed fishing and hunting (both wild animals and mushrooms…lol). He enjoyed working in his vegetable and flower gardens and maintaining his lawn. He liked dancing. He enjoyed playing cards and golf. He liked boating, swimming, water skiing and snow skiing which he learned to do in the ALPS while stationed in Germany. He also enjoyed flying the private airplane in which he had partial ownership. And, he enjoyed his standard regime of working out at the health club in an effort to remain healthy and fit.

He enjoyed reading and did a fine job of taking on and completing handy man touch up projects. He did many things. When he retired from Xerox and Sue was still working, he took cooking classes at a local college in order to grocery shop and plan and prepare meals so she would not have to do that after her day at work.

Michael was a kind and generous hearted man. He supported various type charities to include those for children, military veterans, the homeless and abused and abandoned animals, as well as those organizations researching treatment and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

He always did his share and upheld his responsibilities. And he was a good man…who will be celebrated and missed by many.

Rest Well Michael ….Rest in Peace…. You deserve it – and earned it.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, where visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 9:30 am until time of the funeral service at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018 or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-7644.