Lloyd T. Terry, Sr.

Lloyd T. Terry, Sr., 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Manchester, NH. Born on November 17, 1949, in Rockville Centre, New York, he was the son of Lloyd C. Terry and Roberta (Rifenburgh) Terry.

Lloyd was the beloved husband of Karen L. Durling Terry, with whom he shared a joyful and devoted marriage since October 24, 2006. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, resilience, and a love that only grew stronger through every challenge they faced side by side.

Lloyd was a man who met the world with open arms and an unbreakable spirit. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose exuberance and positivity lit up every room he entered. Fearlessness wasn’t just a trait of his — it was a way of life. Lloyd embraced every challenge with courage and humor, and he carried an adventurous spark that inspired everyone fortunate enough to walk beside him.

That spark showed itself early. In his 20s and 30s, Lloyd built and raced sailboats on Long Island Sound, chasing wind and water with the same determination and joy that would define his entire life. In his late 30s and 40s, he poured his heart into the Tabernacle, NJ baseball program, becoming a coach, mentor, and steady presence for a generation of young men. Later, in his 50s and early 60s, he continued his love of the game by managing men’s senior league baseball teams in Southern New Jersey, building community and camaraderie wherever he went.

Lloyd’s professional life reflected that same blend of creativity and discipline. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and spent many years working in the power generation industry as a power plant design consultant and project manager. His work was meticulous, thoughtful, and grounded in a deep sense of responsibility — qualities that shaped every part of who he was.

Even in the face of adversity, Lloyd refused to be defined by hardship. He chose joy. He chose resilience. He chose to keep moving forward, always with that unmistakable glint in his eye that said, “There’s still more to see, more to do.” His life was one well lived — full of meaning, connection, and a spirit that never stopped soaring.

Lloyd was predeceased by his dear brother, Peter L. Terry.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen L. Durling Terry; his loving son, Lloyd T. Terry, Jr., of Virginia Beach, VA; and his loving daughter, Lindsey T. Nathaniel (fiancé Lucas Malarkey) of Virginia Beach, VA. He also leaves behind his cherished stepdaughters, Kelly R. Leighton (husband Chris Leighton) of East Kingston, NH, and Lindsey J. Melvin (husband David Melvin) of Lunenburg, MA.

Lloyd’s adventurous spirit lives on in his adoring grandchildren: Amaya D. Nathaniel, Laila J. Malarkey, and Grayson T. Terry of Virginia Beach, VA; Anna J. Leighton of East Kingston, NH; and Regan J. Melvin and Connor D. Melvin of Lunenburg, MA. He is also survived by his brother, Richard A. Terry (wife Leslie) of Hope, ME; his sister in law, Elaine Terry; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Lloyd’s life was a testament to the power of courage, curiosity, and an open heart. He moved through the world with a rare blend of grit and joy, meeting every storm with steady resolve and greeting every sunrise as an invitation to keep exploring. Those who loved him will remember not only the adventures he chased, but the way he encouraged others to chase their own. His laughter, his strength, and his boundless spirit will continue to echo in the lives he touched. Though he has sailed off into the sunset, the trail he blazed remains bright — a reminder that a life lived boldly is a life that never truly ends.

SERVICES: A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, NH 03104.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to https://everykidsports.org in Lloyd’s honor.

To view Lloyd’s online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit https://phaneuf.net. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, NH.