Harold Frederic Terry

Harold Fredric Terry, affectionately known as Hal, Dad, Grandpa, and Pops, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 25, 1932, Hal was the only child of Marguerite Tegtmeyer Terry and Harold Oscar Terry. Hal grew up in Hackensack, NJ, joining the US Navy after graduation from high school. He was predeceased by his son, Stephen John Terry, and his wife of nearly 70 years, Patricia Eileen Terry. His devotion to Pat was unmatched and he spent many years as her primary caregiver. Hal is survived by his loving children: Kathleen Terry Brown (Glenn), Michael James Terry (Amy), and Christina Terry Morris (Keith). He is also survived by his many grandchildren: Kelsey Brown Lodge (Aaron), Mallory Brown Strittmatter (Matt), Carter Drake Brown (Millie), Veronica Terry Som (Toeur), Taylor Terry, Laura Terry, David Terry, Haley Morris (Fabian), and Zack Morris. Additionally, he will be deeply missed by his great-grandchildren: Brayden Lodge, Berkley Lodge, Macie Strittmatter, Mackenzie Strittmatter, Madison Strittmatter, Keagon Som, Eyland Som, Toeur Som, Mia Sanchez, Xavier Sanchez, Zane Sanchez, and Fabian Sanchez. Both Hal and Pat were competitive roller skaters and met through mutual friends in Bladensburg, MD. They were married on August 8,1953 and moved to Kinston, NC where they would live while Hal was stationed as a Navy Corpsman at Camp Lejeune. After his discharge, subsequent moves took them to Alexandria and Vienna, VA, Charlotte, NC, Denver, CO and Dallas, TX, with their family growing along the way. Eventually, Hal and Pat decided to relocate to Cary, NC to be closer to family. A kind, selfless, hardworking man, Hal was dedicated to his family. Nothing was more important than their safety and well-being. A true testament to this is that at times he worked two jobs to ensure that everyone had what they needed. His favorite jobs often involved his love of people and air travel. Hal was a customer service representative with Eastern Airlines at Washington National Airport and Charlotte Douglas Airport. He continued in the airline industry in Colorado and Texas as a cargo sales manager with Flying Tigers. In retirement, he continued to enjoy the airline connection as an inflight courier transporting currency and other valuable cargo across the country for Brinks Security Services. Hal and Pat had the opportunity to take several trips over the years. As a couple, they enjoyed time together in Montreal, Canada, on an Alaskan cruise, and in New Orleans for the NCAA Final 4 tournament. A business trip to Japan and Hong Kong was part of his training with Flying Tigers. With family, they also took several trips to the mountains in Colorado, Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as traveling to the beaches of North and South Carolina. Hal was an excellent conversationalist, well versed in current events, sports, and even pop culture. He loved talking with his family, spending time with them and hearing about what was going on in their lives, sharing old memories and making new ones. Those precious chats are something that cannot be replaced and will be deeply missed. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 12, 2025 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Transitions Lifecare Hospice Home in Raleigh.

Harold Frederic Terry

August 25, 1932 - April 21, 2025