Charles Francis Terry

Dr. Charles F. Terry, 74, was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 16, 1949. He passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2024 at his home in Chicago.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his beloved daughters Sharon Signor (Michael) and Lynda Gardner (William); his children through marriage Douglas Purvis and Andrea Miller (Doug) and he was an adoring Papa to Madison, Emma, Kate, and fond Grandpa Charley to Donovan, Elliot, Grace, and Henry. He is survived by his siblings: Robert, James, Brian, Kevin, Donna, Edmund, Gerard and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Grace; his wife Cathy and brothers, Timothy, Leonard, and Christopher. He was a fond brother-in-law, uncle, godfather, cousin and friend to many.
Charley grew up in Brooklyn and was always proud to be the eldest of twelve children. He took his role as oldest brother, mentor, and consigliere seriously. Recently mentioning how his mother relied on him in those early years with caring for his brothers and household chores. Family relationships and connections were extremely important to him and he fondly remembered his grandparents and the many aunts, uncles and cousins. Charley's strong relationship with his mother, Grace, was very special to him. He recently shared that while they had different perspectives on life, he often sought her counsel and valued her opinions.
Charley received all of his sacraments, attended school and was an altar server at Holy Name Church and then went on to Bishop Ford High School in Brooklyn, both communities shaping his life of faith and service. Growing up in such a large family it was important that he financially contribute to the household, so Charley joined his father, brother and uncles as an ironworker in NYC. He attended Fordham University, focused on mathematics and became a teacher in the Catholic Schools. Soon after the birth of his daughter Sharon, and to be closer to his parents and siblings, Charley moved his family to Connecticut. This then began his long career of work in public education. He soon perfected his craft at the junior high level and became an instrument of change as a School Principal transforming schools to the middle school model. He returned to Fordham, earning his Ed.D in Administration and Supervision and he continued to be a School Principal in various school districts in NY, CT, and IL. In the later part of his career, he served as Assistant Superintendent and later returned to the Catholic Schools as Principal, working for the Archdiocese of Chicago, until he retired. While retired, he enjoyed Professorships at Depaul, National Louis, and North Park Universities educating future teachers and leaders.
While raising his two young daughters, Sharon and Lynda, he met his wife Cathy who perfectly completed them as a family of four. In marriage to Cathy, Charley not only gained another brother, Jimmy, but four more nieces, Christy, Deborah, Rachel, and Rebecca, who he already knew as had taught them math in Brewster, NY. Along with his mother-in-law Cathleen Clark, the Terrys and the Clarks shared years of great times together in Brewster filled with pool parties, the unforgettable karaoke BBQs, and many vacations.
Spending time with family and friends was very important to him. Many Thursday nights, Charley hosted poker night to ensure the brothers made time to get together and have fun, while winning each other's money or that of friends they included. Over the years, even though they all spread out across the country, many of them raising their own families, Charley made it a priority to keep in touch with them. More recently joking how lucky it was that he didn't have to worry about a long distance phone bill for their many lengthy conversations.
At a young age Charley was introduced to baseball by his uncles Harry and Billy. This ignited his love of baseball, especially for the Yankees. Over the years, Charley toured baseball stadiums and held season tickets to the Yankees, White Sox and the Cubs. At Wrigley Field, Charley celebrated his 50th birthday, attended the World Series with Lynda and Madison, and had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch. Many family and friends enjoyed talking baseball with Charley, he knew the game and all the stats of every team and player.
During the last 30 years, Charley enjoyed spending time with his daughters and son-in-laws, Mike and Bill, whom he was close with. He was thrilled with his new title as Papa to Madison, Emma and Kate. They meant the world to him. He made it a priority to be involved in their lives, supporting their education, showing up to "all the things" they participated in, spending time with them whether it be at his apartment, enjoying a meal together, Navy Pier, baseball games, concerts, vacations, shopping, and holidays; he was there for them and always ready to slip them some Papa Bucks.
Nineteen years ago Charley started another life journey by marrying Joyce. He became a loving member of Joyce's family, treating her children, Douglas, his son Donovan, and Andrea, her husband Doug, and their children Elliot, Grace, and Henry as his own. They enjoyed living on the Lakefront in downtown Chicago and experiencing all Chicago had to offer. Frequenting many Streeterville area restaurants, stores and enjoying neighborhood friends. Charley and Joyce enjoyed many adventures touring the world together and making new friends.
He loved us. He put us first, always. We were his priority, no matter what, our entire lives. He showed up for everything and everyone. Most importantly, he knew we loved him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held at Lakeview Funeral Home, 1458 W Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL on Wednesday, April 10th from 3pm-8pm. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, April 11th at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N State Street, Chicago, IL at 10:30am. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Big Shoulders Fund: https://bigshouldersfund.org/donate/give/