Robert Terra

Robert Terra was born in Kokomo, Indiana to Edward and Anne (Mitchell) Terra and moved at a young age to San Jose where he grew up. He graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1963 and upon graduating, he attended San Jose City College and enrolled in their four-year Carpentry Apprentice Program. In 1965 he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve for a six-year enlistment term and successfully completed airborne recruit training. His military occupational specialty was airdrop and parachute pack maintenance with the rank of Sergeant. Robert began his career in the construction industry in 1966 working for his father's company, and in 1978 he started his own business, R.E. Terra Construction Company, Inc. where he worked until his retirement in 2010. Robert was an avid technology enthusiast, always keeping up with the latest advancements and sharing his passion for computers and design. He will be remembered for his wisdom, forthright, confident, honest, and fun-loving nature. His greatest legacy was his commitment to lifelong learning, encouraging others to always seek knowledge and pursue personal growth. Robert had an amazing life full of family, friends, travel, and adventure. He devoted his life to his family and was happiest when surrounded by them. He enjoyed attending his grandson's sporting events, camping and fishing trips to Eagle Lake, learning about photography, reading, and dining at fine steakhouse restaurants. In his younger years, he played softball and later managed the SOX, a men's softball team, that placed 4th in the 1990 Men's Class AA & A World Tournament in Kalamazoo, Michigan which was quite an achievement. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Donald Terra. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Cynthia (Cogliandro) Terra, daughter, Christina Wilson, son-in-law, Kyle Wilson, grandsons, Logan and Conner Wilson, his sister, JeanAnne Brennan (Charles), sister-in-laws Deborah Dionne, Suzanne Guajardo (Arnold), brother-in-law, Mark Cogliandro (Lynn) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Buddy, the dog he rescued and loved. A memorial mass will be held on June 21, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Christopher Church, 1576 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Lung Association.