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Alphonse “Al” T. Terrano, 97, passed away surrounded by family on November 5, 2025. Born, September 19, 1928, in Waltham, MA, He was the beloved son of the late Gaetano Terrano and Maria (Chiacchio) Terrano.
Residing most of his life in Waltham, Al was raised, educated, and began his family there. He was a proud graduate of Waltham High School, where he studied business and accounting while building life-long friendships.
Al honorably and courageously served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, which was a source of pride in his life. While in Korea, he corresponded frequently with his future wife, Catherine Docherty.
Upon returning home from Korea, he eventually won Catherine over; they married on Valentine's Day, and shortly after, he built their home in Sudbury, MA.
Through hard work, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to his customers, he owned and operated several successful full-service gas stations.
He lived a life of faith, love, and simple joys. Al’s greatest joy and what he was most proud of was his family. His love and devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family were unwavering. There was no place in the world he would rather spend his time than in their company.
Al was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, outgoing personality, and deep sense of community. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially to those in need. He was a loyal friend, trusted advisor, and a proud member of the Waltham and Westminster Communities.
Alphonse was predeceased by his loving and devoted wife, Catherine (Docherty) Terrano, and his son, Thomas W. Terrano. He is survived by his daughters, Diane Vezeau (Michael) of Waltham, MA, and Deborah Miller (Randy) of Westminster, MA, his grandchildren, Kerry Volke (Erik), Kristin (Michael) both of Westminster, MA, and Thomas Terrano (Dianna) of Millbury, MA, his great grandchildren, Alexander and Benjamin Volke, Bryce and Nathan Barrett, all of Westminster, MA, and Thomas and Emily Terrano, both of Millbury, MA. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Mary Eldridge and Landa Parello.
Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA. Parking attendants will be on duty.
A Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St Edward’s the Confessor Church, 10 Church Street, Westminster, MA.
A Burial will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA
For those who wish to pay their final respects but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at https://www.brandonfuneral.com/obituaries/alphonse-terrano
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Alphonse’s memory to https://www.pancreaticalliance.org/ is greatly appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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