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Terry Backer Obituary
Terry Backer, age 61, a career Long Island Sound fisherman and veteran state lawmaker who won national renown as the state's first and only Soundkeeper, died Tuesday morning in Bridgeport Hospital.
The son of a fisherman, the late Henry J. Backer, Terry was the former chairman of the legislative Environment Committee, as well as the Energy & Technology Committee. He led the Soundkeeper Fund for 27 years joining with fellow activists including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., senior attorney and president of the board of Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit focused on grass-roots efforts to protect and enhance waterways around the world, whom he befriended.
Backer was first elected in 1992, representing the South End of Stratford, including the Lordship neighborhood where he lived. He won re-election in 2010, 2012 and 2014 while fighting the brain tumor. Backer was too ill to attend last week's special session of the General Assembly,
Born in Stamford on August 3, 1954, Backer attended Norwalk public schools and later earned a license as a Merchant Marine officer from the United States Coast Guard. Backer worked with his father, Henry Backer, for decades, harvesting lobsters and shellfish in the Southwestern Sound.
Terry is survived by his mother, Catherine Lagana Backer of Norwalk; two sons, Luke Backer of Stratford and Jacob Henry Backer of Bristol; a grandson Caleb Backer, of Stratford, a brother James J. Backer and wife Diana of Groton; two sisters, Kathleen A. Patchen and husband Richard of Weston, Cheryl B. McNeill and her husband Kevin of Norwalk; the mother of his children, Mary McNeil Backer; his former wife & friend, Monica Anton Backer; nieces and nephews, Jessica Backer, Victorial Backer Smith, Christopher Patchen, Tracie Patchen Wain, Barbara Patchen Hayes, Adam Backer, Megan & Mackenzie McNeil; great nieces and nephews, Kyle & Delshaun Backer, Julia & Jessica Patchen, Madison & Gabby Hayes, Isabelle & Oliver Wain. He was predeceased by a niece, Arian Rose Backer.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Thursday December 17, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in Norwalk's Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 5 East Wall St. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday 10:00 AM DIRECTLY at St. Matthew's Church 216 Scribner Ave. Norwalk. Interment will be private. Please visit www.norwalkfh.com for more information
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Terry Backer
John Buehler
December 10, 2020
Rest easy my friend . I know you and my dad r having heated debates about what is going on with politics these days
bill Gardella
December 26, 2015
Terry Backer
Unconquerable Friend, we'll all miss you
Rest in Peace with the Lord you love
Fare thee well
December 25, 2015
Sincere condolences goes out to the Backer family for your sad loss. May GOD be with the family as you mourn your loss.
A S
December 24, 2015
My deepest condolences to your family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you, it is never easy to lose a loved one who is so dear to your heart, May you draw comfort from God, who will sustain you and give you peace .2 Corn 1:3,4
luke Backer
December 22, 2015
To my loving father, you are the strongest man i have ever and will ever know in every way. The void left in my heart and soul will never be filled completely,however your love fills it a bit more each day. i live my life each day for you and your memory. Your legacy is forever cemented through your passion for your work,your compassion for your fellow man,and your love for your family.You have left this physical plain,but i know in my heart you watch over me in a realm beyond my comprehension. Rest now my beautiful father, be at peace. You now hold the secrets of the universe, and ill have to wait for you to reveal them to me until we meet on the other side,and God brings me into his ever loving embrace. I love you daddy, then,now,forever and always....The king is dead....Long live the king! your baby boy, Luke Eddy
Deirdre Villa
December 20, 2015
Thank you for your dedication. You left a legacy of good work May your family find comfort and peace. God bless you sound keeper!
Daniel Patchen
December 20, 2015
Dear Mrs. Backer and family I was very saddened to hear about Terries passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family .
December 18, 2015
Death is hard on everyone. I really am sorry, please accept my condolences. Prayer always help to ease the pain. 1thessalonians 5:7
May God give you peace.
Rich Harris
December 18, 2015
To the Backer family: I worked for Gov. Rell from 2004-2011 as her spokesman and speechwriter and frequently chatted with Terry. He was a wonderful conversationalist, a gentleman and a true friend to our state. He will be greatly missed, but I hope you will be comforted in part by knowing that he is fondly remembered by many and even more so by knowing that his contributions to Connecticut will live on and on.
Joseph Paul
December 18, 2015
Rest in Peace my friend. I met you during my campaign for Mayor of Stratford and found you to be a man who served all with the highest of integrity. The Sound and all of Stratford is a better place because of your contributions. My condolences to the entire family.
Arthur Rocque
December 18, 2015
I'm saddened to learn of the too soon passing of my long-time friend and colleague, Terry Backer. He was a genuine stand-up guy. Family and friends can take comfort in that Terry's short time here was meaningful and productive--his contributions to Long Island Sound and his home state are significant, long lasting and, indeed, inspiring. An icon in his own time (who else looked more like a Soundkeeper), Terry was substantive when others were just talkative. A non-partisan legislator and a man of clearly articulated purpose and direction during an era of increasing partisan vindictiveness, Connecticut has lost a true son. Fair winds and calm seas, my friend. You will be long remembered.
JOHN BUEHLER
December 17, 2015
To the Backer family my thoughts and prayers go out to you. This state will really miss the Sound Keeper and one of the best State Representatives this state has every had. You were a great man and loved taking care of the sound.
December 17, 2015
EXPRESSING OUR AND PARYERS TO THE FAMILY.
WARD&JOY PALMER
George Mulligan
December 17, 2015
The fisherman now has a sound keeper to protect a different environment. Rest in Peace! My condolences and empathy to family, friends, and people who loved and cared about Terry.
DONNA Dominick - Nixon
December 17, 2015
To the Backer family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm sorry for your loss.
Sue Yanez
December 16, 2015
Another angel hard to forget, one I loved dearly for a season in time. Opening line to our relationship, one I will never forget. As I was having a cup of coffee and asked where the sexy body builders were, you turned to me and said,"I would never slam an outhouse door that hard. " The next saying engraved in my memory is, when life takes a turn, just stop and enjoy the free sceanary. ". You leave behind two special young men. I had the pleasure of seeing and speaking to you a short while ago. I like most I'm sure thought this was another notch in your belt. I am so sorry for the loss. You were always proud, strong, and stubborn. My condolences to your parents, and the rest whom you always spoke of. My love and sympathy to the boys. My prayers that you rest in peace, and your family find the peace to move forward in a positive direction. God bless you all.
Bernie Sullivan
December 16, 2015
Terry was a great guy and a real waterman.We were at a conference and he took me out in the Gulf of Mexico with Some of his Louisiana counterparts.Being with Terry made it a great learning experience !May he rest in a well earned peace.
Tony Bossone
December 16, 2015
So sorry for your Family loss....RIP
Caleb Anthony Backer
December 16, 2015
I'm blessed to add my Grandpa Terry to my group of guardian angels along side my Great Grandma Nettie and my Great Grandpa Henry.
TJ Casey, Sr.
December 16, 2015
Terry, Doc. Gunther, Larry Miller...Stratford you and the state have lost good men with strong voices in Hartford. R.I.P. in peace my friends. My prayers & condolences to the Backer family. Respectfully yours,
jay malcynsky
December 16, 2015
Terry was one of a kind ...a straight forward, well meaning person who didn't pull any punches or dance around the truth ...his instinct was always to help ... he'll be sorely missed
David
December 16, 2015
A legend in Long Island Sound history. Will be long remembered. RIP good sir!
Judith Freedman
December 16, 2015
So sorry for this loss. I enjoyed working with Terry over the years. I had a great respect for his environmental knowledge and was proud to work with him although we came from different t sides of the aisle. Please accept my deepest condolences. He was very courageous.
December 16, 2015
To the Family and Friends, I am so sorry for your great loss. I hope that the promise found in Hosea 13:14 bring you comfort.
Ed Staron
December 16, 2015
Always looked to meet you in lordship center to sit and chat with you. You were a true friend. God bless you and may you rest in peace.
Mary Ellen Kranzlin
December 16, 2015
I am so sorry that I didn't get to say goodbye. I valued our friendship, your prayers for my family and all you did in your VERY active life to protect our Sound. You will be sorely missed.
Peter Burke
December 16, 2015
R.I.P. Terry Backer ,.
Thank you for all you did making the Sound a better place,.
God Bless your family in their time of sorrow ,.
RICK SAYMON
December 16, 2015
R.I.P. Terry You are now safe in the hands of the Lord.
Jane Ginter Russo
December 16, 2015
Rest in Peace Terry. Thank you for your contributions. My condolences to Terry's family at this time of loss. My prayers are with you.
Joe Anderson
December 16, 2015
Terry was a great guy , I knew Henry and Terry , Terry was one guy that brought about a much cleaner Long Island Sound. He will be missed.
Rep. Jeffrey Berger
December 16, 2015
Will miss you my friend....God bless and continue to give us your strength.
Jaime Denzel
December 16, 2015
I will miss our conversations, and you smiling face.
Rest in peace Terry.
Susan & Walter Denzel
December 16, 2015
Terry you were a light in Lordship these past few years. We watched and prayed as you fought your battle. Rest now in peace.
Sue & Bo Denzel
Rick Saymon
December 16, 2015
R.I.P. Terry with Deepest Sympathy Rick Saymon
Barbara Morris
December 16, 2015
Good die young sorry read this
December 16, 2015
R.I.P. Terry with Deepest Sympathy Rick Saymon
Cara Leheny
December 16, 2015
I was Terry's campaign manager for his first (and successful) campaign for the House. I remember him as a warm and funny man, dedicated to his job, his children, and his campaign. Every night he was out there knocking on doors (I believe he knocked on over 4,000 before the campaign ended), but every day found him back at the Soundkeeper's offices, continuing his environmental advocacy. He was a remarkable man, and will be missed. My condolences to his family, those who love the Sound, and to the citizens of Connecticut, who lost a great representative.
Lorraine Calzetta
December 15, 2015
RIP friend, fellow democrat and fellow environmentalist .my heart and prayers go out to your family .your life was an inspiration and you will not be forgotten.everytime I'm at the sound I'll remember the honor of knowing you.
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