Hugh Terrence "Terry" "Terry" Sterns

Hugh Terrence "Terry" Sterns, age 89, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on July 13, 2025. He was born on March 22, 1936, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to Jerome C. and Elizabeth G. (Tate) Sterns. Terry attended St. Joseph's Parochial Elementary School and graduated from Sharon High School in 1954. Following high school, Terry entered the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Siboney (CVE-112). He completed Storekeeper's School in Newport, Rhode Island, and Gunnery School in Dam Neck, Virginia. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Storekeeper Petty Officer 3rd Class. After his military service, Terry enrolled at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio. He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, majoring in Public Relations. During his time in college, he married his sweetheart Shirley, and they were blessed with their first child, Debra. While attending school, Terry played drums with a local band and worked as a delivery driver for a florist. After a two-year stint with Prudential Insurance Company, Terry, Shirley, and their daughter Debbie moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1963. He worked as a buyer for Motorola for over six years. During that time, he actively participated in the fast-pitch softball league and the Phoenix Industrial League, and continued playing drums with various groups throughout the Valley. He was also a dedicated blood donor and a proud member of the Five Gallon Club. Terry played an important role in the formation of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Phoenix. He contributed to two major building projects to establish a permanent church in the 40th Street and Desert Cove area, responding to the rapid growth of the Paradise Valley community. While the new church was under construction, services were held at Paradise Valley High School and Greenway Middle School. Terry helped organize church festivals, founded the original Folk Group to provide music for Sunday Mass, and taught religious education to high school students due to the lack of a nearby Catholic high school. Terry and Shirley later welcomed two more children, Denise Marie in 1964 and Hugh Terrence in 1969. In 1971, Terry founded Sterns and Associates, a manufacturer's representative corporation, and served as its president for 31 years. He also taught Business Letters and Reports at Motorola through the Maricopa County Community College system. His innovation in designing a protective package cover for a local semiconductor company led to widespread adoption by other businesses in the area. He continued playing softball for St. Joseph's Church for about ten years and remained a passionate drummer throughout his life. Terry was also an avid dog lover, sports fan, crossword puzzle enthusiast, and golfer-proudly recording two hole-in-ones. Above all, he loved spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a kind, generous, and honest man. Terry was preceded in death by his parents; his daughters, Debbie and Denise; and his beloved wife, Shirley. He is survived by his son, Hugh Sterns II, and his grandchildren: Larry, Hugh III, and Kaylee Sterns. He is also survived by his brother, Corky, of South Boston, Virginia. A viewing will be held at Hansen's Desert Hills Mortuary in Scottsdale, Arizona, on August 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a service in the chapel at 10:00 a.m. A graveside ceremony at St. Francis will follow immediately. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the charity of your choice are encouraged. Live Stream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/5261488 Recorded Video Link: https://vimeo.com/1102265149