Michael Terraciano

Michael Terraciano left us in body on Aug. 24, 2011. He was born Jan. 11, 1966, in Albany, N.Y. His life was rich in experiences and friendships. He grew up in Voorheesville, N.Y., and later lived in Virginia. He spent his last years in Billings. Michael attended Voorheesville High School finishing in 1983. He went on to graduate from Oakwood Academy in 1984. Subsequently, he entered Wilmington College in Ohio where he received his BA in 1989.

Michael was excited to begin a career in marketing right out of college. His ambitions were interrupted when tragically he was the victim of a robbery in 1990, which rendered him afflicted with a profound quadriplegia. Although some would give up, Michael did not give in to anger or complacency. He used the inner strength and resources that he had left to move forward. He never once looked back or spoke with hatred toward those that hurt him. Incredibly, he went on and earned his Masters Degree in Counseling at The University of Virginia in 1995.

He didn't let his injury prevent him from enjoying a vibrant life. He learned to skydive. He skied with the assistance of disabled ski programs across the country in Virginia, Colorado, and Montana. He went deep-sea fishing and swam in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He fished and Camped in Yellowstone Park. He rode a snowmobile in the Bridger Mountains of Montana and operated a jet ski on Great Lake Sacandaga in New York.

He greatly enjoyed technology, music and cinema. He had a mind for detail and an incredible memory. He was a best friend to a welch pony, a loving Labrador retriever, Bear, and an entertaining cockatiel, Frederick, who would not leave his side.

He loved his nieces and nephews and followed their accomplishments with pride.

Michael was born the fourth child of the late Dr. Carmine W. Terraciano MD and Judith C. Terraciano. His loving mother was a caring and guiding light for Mike who held a Masters Degree in Nursing also from The University of Virginia. Both were incredibly committed to family. These principals and roots were most important in shaping him into the person he became. Michael was charming, smart, intelligent and funny. Always entertaining, many thought he could have been a great comedian.

Michael was the beloved brother of Martha (Greg) McDowell, John (Linda) Terraciano and Laura (Jeffrey) Lehner. He was the beloved uncle of Nicholas, Jessica, Kelsie and Terra McDowell, Carmine Terraciano, Steven, Kristen, Emily and Jack Lehner and was the beloved stepson of Judi Terraciano.

God bless you and keep you Michael. We know you would wish us to remember our many blessings, come to accept our limitations and learn to adapt to our unique personal circumstance. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort or convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Contributions in Michael's memory may be made to the Spinal Cord Society, 24 Davis Avenue, Albany, NY 12203

Michael Terraciano