Paul Truman Terry of Gales Ferry died Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Pendleton Healthcare in Mystic after a brief illness.
He was born on June 5, 1943, in Brookfield MA, the son of Truman and Ann (Lawton) Terry. Because his father died when he was only 13 years old, he became a father figure at an early age for his two younger brothers.
He was a graduate of Tantasqua Regional High School in Brookfield. He then attended Worcester Junior College and completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hartford.
Paul moved to Connecticut in 1963 and began his 52-year career as a Principle Engineer at Electric Boat, becoming a mentor to many young engineers. He was also the Trident Program Manager. In addition, he was owner and operator of Terry Construction, his own construction company, doing site work and excavation in the local community. He was a developer and with his partner, Dwight Ketelhut Sr., he was proud to develop the Holly Green Plaza, Coates Farm, and the Jonathon Edwards Winery in North Stonington.
He volunteered many hours for the Town of Ledyard, serving with the Jaycees in the 1970’s and as WPCA Chairman for the town in the 1980’s. More recently he served as President of the Avery-Stoddard Cemetery Association.
He is survived by his sons Jody Terry of Voluntown, and Shane Terry and his companion Krista of Ledyard. He is also survived by his grandson Nathan Terry, his granddaughter Valerie Pieniozek whom he proudly and happily raised from childhood, and great grandson Kaden Pieniozek. Paul is survived by his devoted friend and girlfriend, Judy Amoriello.
He is also survived by his sister Sandra and her husband Bob Hall of Sudbury, MA, and his brothers Clyde and his wife Susan Terry of Concord NH, and Glenn Terry of Sunderland MA, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Tammy Lynn Pieniozek.
Paul’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, October 9, from 4:30 to 7:30pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Graveside Service will be conducted on Saturday, October 10, at 10:30am at Avery-Stoddard Cemetery in Ledyard.
Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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