Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Michael J. Terrile
Michael J. Terrile
Obituary
Guest Book
Michael Terrile Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Michael taught art for 34 years at the Hampstead Central School where he was a source of daily joy for his students. Once, an entire classroom of students celebrated him by wearing pretend mustaches in honor of his signature handlebar mustache grown solely for their entertainment.
Michael graduated from Governor Dummer Academy in 1985, then earned his bachelor's degree at Franklin & Marshall College in 1989, where he was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He later pursued advanced education, earning a Master of Fine Arts from the Massachusetts College of Art and a Master of Education.
A lifelong Deadhead, Michael began following the Grateful Dead after college. He shared his love of live music with his son Anthony, with whom he attended dozens of Phish concerts each year. Michael was also devoted to discovering and supporting new and upcoming bands.
Michael is predeceased by his loving mother Elinor. In addition to his children, he is survived by his father Darien "Bud" Terrile, his brother Stephen and wife Kathleen, his brother Paul and wife Laura, his sister Lynne and husband Tim McSweeney, his Aunt Eileen DeSalvo, numerous cousins and a wide circle of close, devoted friends.
He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews with whom he shared an extra special bond. To them, Uncle Michael was more than family-he was the fun one, the one who let them break the rules a little, who laughed the loudest, had the best dance moves, and always made them feel seen and celebrated for exactly who they were. They adored their wicked cool uncle, whose playful spirit and unconditional acceptance made him the special person that they all wanted to spend time with.
Calling hours will be held Monday, June 23, 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Saint Anne Parish, 26 Emerson Ave. Hampstead NH. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 24 at 10:30 am at Saint Anne Parish in Hampstead, NH. The Mass will be livestreamed and viewable here. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Hampstead. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Stroke Association.
Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfunerahome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Shannon Sopha
June 28, 2025
I met Michael when he had an infant son, and we were expecting in several months. I started mentoring under him shortly after. We raised our families simultaneously and I used him as a guide, not just through his parenting, but as a teacher of children, to raise my own sons.
I discovered a long lost part of my soul in Michael. We were both painters with a passion for passion in the arts, geeking out over brush strokes on canvases. We were both huge lovers and collectors of music, live and recorded, and would ping one another on record store day for finds. In fact, I took a copy of a recently acquired limited run production of a Nels Cline album to Tupelo´s and had Nels sign it. Michael seemed enamored that Nels talked to us about music on a level of fandom. We were both runners and planned to run together all the time until he finally just stopped.
He was a mentor to me in so many ways that I am just now realizing. I always wanted him to see what I was doing with my family, and I always enjoyed seeing him with his. I think this is what kept us apart over the last several years. We had families to hang with. Sharing that in spirit was enough for us. It´s odd that I don´t have him to share moments with anymore in the physical realm.
I found out when I got home from work that he had passed, on the night of his service. He had just wished me a Happy Father´s Day. I have spent this past week, lost and sad.
My deepest, most soul loving sympathy to Anthony and Catherine, I know you will carry your dad´s legacy throughout your life, you are very blessed to have had such a wonderful human as a parent.
Melissa Clay
June 24, 2025
Michael was attentive, compassionate, and fun-loving while also being able to be gentle but firm and set boundaries when needed. He always sought to understand rather than react to children. He was very in tune with his students and always knew when something was not right, and he'd come to me with his concerns. The students felt this love from Mr. T, and it showed in conversations I had with many students. When working with children, I often ask what is the best part of school, and the vast majority of them quickly answer "art class". When I follow up with a comment such as, "Oh, do you like to draw/paint?", students often say, "I guess" or even "Not really" and then "I really like Mr. T." Michael, you are greatly missed and live on in all that you have taught and shared with those around you.
Kristen wallin
June 23, 2025
I didn´t want to add on here because I grieve on my own. This beautiful community has come together to grieve together and I appreciate that so much! You guys have done such a great job showing how important Michael was in the community. I like that we can add pictures and videos to the thread.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kristen Wallin
June 23, 2025
Kevin Charity
June 23, 2025
16 years have gone by since I last saw Mr. T, somehow it feels like yesterday, and I have thought about him countless times since. I had many great teachers growing up, but he was definitely my favorite. As a fellow artist, he always made me feel special at such a young age. As if I was his equal. From requesting my help to paint a mural in the school, to supporting the design of the original HCS Huskies logo that was made by me and a few other students, which I´m sure has been changed by now, and a very specific painting of the Central School, which still hangs in my Mom´s house today. He even requested that I attend a few of his summer art courses one year. Mr. T set the bar extremely high as a teacher through his support and admiration of me at such a young age. He was a real fan of my art, and he made sure that I knew it. To have a grown up show so much passion and enthusiasm for something that you create has a very lasting impact. He was the ultimate hype man, and he had a way of making a 9 year old feel like a professional. He is one of the biggest reasons why I always considered being a teacher. I have only good things to say about Mr. T, unfortunately I never got the chance to say those things to him in person. I wish I would have reached out to him throughout the years. I´m sure he would´ve had some pretty good advice for me. You always think you´ll have time to visit with someone and thank them for something. Don´t wait!
What a great person he was, Thank you so much Mr. T, you will be missed.
Patrick MacArthur
June 23, 2025
I was one of Mr. Terrile's students at HCS from 1996-2000. He had a very clear passion for his subject and teaching in general, and I always looked forward to his art classes. I am very saddened to learn of his unexpected passing, and I offer my full condolences to his family and friends.
Christina Goudreault
June 22, 2025
With deepest sympathy to all his family. Such an awful loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Rollie & Chrissy Goudreault
Kelsey Ponichtera
June 22, 2025
All of my paintings on our basement wall are because of Mr. Terrile. I really am sad I missed seeing him during the senior walk and I´m really glad he was my teacher. I dont really remember much from HCS but i know that art class was one of my favorites and it was especially because of Mr T.
Shannon Caffelle
June 22, 2025
Mr.T impacted me more than any other teacher. From the second I stepped into HCS I knew I had a forever friend. He was always encouraging me to face my fears. I had many rough school days but he was always there to talk about it in the parent pick up line. I will miss him so much. I´ve had so many of my dance students tell me he talks about me and shows them my old pieces he told me he would keep forever and he did. I am so grateful for him because he had a huge impact on the person I have become today. I am praying for his family during this rough time and the Hampstead community
Mikella Eichen
June 22, 2025
A loving artist, a radiant soul, a teacher with hands that shape not just art, but hearts. Your wisdom whispers like old songs-timeless. Your kindness, a quiet light in every room. You´ve been a mentor, a muse, a mirror of grace. Patient as the tide, warm as the morning sun. One of a kind. An old soul stitched into the fabric of now. Thank you for being all that you are. Your presence lingers like art: eternal.
I will forever miss you, Michael. Each day you´d ask-"Does this match?" As if the colors on your clothes could ever rival the harmony you brought to our lives.
You saw true beauty in the world, and gave it back tenfold- with patience, with laughter, with heart.
Love,
The Eichen´s
Mary Ann Boucher
June 21, 2025
In the beginning years of my career at HCS Michael came aboard. His impact, from the beginning, with the arts program and our students, was just a joy to behold. He was one of a handful of teachers who personally influenced me and my teaching practices with children. Collaboration with Michael on many integrated projects are some of the fondest memories I have from my years at HCS. I will be forever grateful. My heart is broken for his family and the HCS community.
Aideen Scally
June 21, 2025
We are all deeply saddened by Micheal´s sudden passing. He was a wonderful teacher & colleague at HCS. He was a beautiful person inside & out who always brought out the best in both students and staff alike. I will miss our beloved Mr.T dearly.
My sincere sympathies to Micheal´s children & family at this difficult time.
The Spires Family
June 21, 2025
We send our sincere condolences to all of Michael's family and close friends. Mr. Terrile ignited my daughter Madelyn's love of art in elementary school and she has pursued it ever since. For the wonderful ways he engaged with his students and friends through art and music and for his kind and fun demeanor, we will forever be grateful for knowing him.
Robin Cafazzo
June 21, 2025
We love you and are so grateful for every interaction we experienced with you. Thank you for caring.
Essie Shuman
June 21, 2025
I am absolutely heart broken to hear of this news. I got to get to know him when my daughters were young and his style of teaching couldn´t be matched My sympathies go out to his entire family. Tears
Betty Edmondson
June 21, 2025
As the art teacher at the middle school Michael and I worked together for many years. We collaborated often and were presenters at art conferences sharing several of the creative field trips and lessons we designed together. I loved spending time with Michael due to his kindness, fun spirit and his gift for being a great teacher and friend. My memories go way back because I bought my first home from the Terrile family and Dr. Terrile delivered my first child. I will greatly miss Michael and I send my deepest condolences to his family
Cathy Julian
June 21, 2025
Mr. Terrile was my children's art teacher at Central School. I still have many of the projects they did with him. He had a gift for incorporating art into the mainstream curriculum. Kind, friendly, upbeat, supportive--a true loss to his family and the community. May his memory be a blessing.
John Edmondson
June 21, 2025
When I first met Michael I was the only male teacher at the Central School. That immediately made me smile-a comrade in arms! But over the years I got to know Michael better, and we had many conversations about serious topics that were always tinged with humor. I also remember sitting in his classroom at one point. I don´t remember why, but I do remember thinking that Michael was a natural in the classroom. How he engaged the kids can´t be taught. He clearly loved his students and they loved him back. Rest in peace, my friend.
Heather Burkett
June 21, 2025
Michael, I will miss you immensely. You were a blessing in my life and in others´ lives.
William Tempel
June 21, 2025
May his memory be a blessing to you, my condolences.
Eric St. Cyr
June 20, 2025
It is hard to find the words- Mr. Terrile had a positive and lasting impact on so many of us. I was fortunate enough to stay in touch with him at times- even into my adulthood, We talked about music and our children, the state of the world, and maybe even catching up someday in person. He watched so many of us in Hampstead grow up. I am deeply saddened by his loss, my thoughts and love with the Terrile family.
O´Donnell family
June 20, 2025
Mike you were a hero to the O´Donnell family and our Grandchildren, you will never leave our hearts. You were there for us during hard times and good, as per the photo attests.
We will always remember you coming to Boston to support Tommy during his extended stay, caring for our children when we had to travel abroad, and teaching all of them the values that live on with them today.
You left us all too soon, may you rest in peace. Thank you for your caring love. The O´Donnells.
Tommy, Susan, Tom, Kristen, Ryan, Michelle O´Donnell
June 20, 2025
The Storti Family
June 20, 2025
So very sad to hear of Mr. T passing. My 3 children had him in his early teaching years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family .
Matthew Wadlinger
June 20, 2025
My condolences to his family and friends for their loss. Mr. Terrile was such an awesome and kind teacher. I attended Hampstead Central School between 1992-1996 and although it´s challenging to remember any specific memories during that time - I do remember how he made me feel. I remember his classroom being safe, fun and a place where everyone felt seen and recognized. I´m grateful for the opportunity to have had him as an art teacher as a child.
American Stroke Association
June 20, 2025
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
38 Range Rd, Route 111, Windham, NH 03087
Make a Donation
in Michael Terrile's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with Michael
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Terrile's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously