Terrence James Gaughan

Terrence J. Gaughan

March 29, 1941 - March 6, 2026

Terrence (Terry) Gaughan, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 6, 2026, at Slate Belt Care and Rehabilitation Center in Bangor, Pennsylvania, with his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia (Pat), at his side. Terry was a resident there for only a week, after learning that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 untreatable lung cancer.

He was born March 29, 1941, in Hammond, Indiana, the third son of Carl and Iris (née Arthur) Gaughan. His father spent his adulthood working in the offices of Inland Steel; his mother worked part-time at a drugstore in their Hessville neighborhood before both eventually retired to Florida.

Terry graduated from Morton High School in Hessville and went on to graduate from the five-year Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the Herron School of Art and Design in downtown Indianapolis. (Herron is now part of Indiana University.) In recognition of his exceptional design talent, Terry was awarded the prestigious Wolcott Scholarship, which allowed him to travel throughout Europe during the summer between his junior and senior years. He later began graduate studies in Graphic Design and Photography at Indiana University's main campus in Bloomington.

Before completing his MFA thesis, Terry accepted what he always considered his "favorite job" as a graphic designer with Indiana University Publications, where he met his future wife, Pat. There he designed print promotions supporting student and faculty recruitment as well as special university events.

In the spring of 1970, Terry and Pat moved to New York City. Terry worked as a freelance designer with The New York Times, while Pat began an editorial position with Macmillan. They were married on St. Patrick's Day in 1971 at the United Nations Chapel in New York City, which Terry called the happiest day of his life.

Terry soon began what would become a 35-year career with McGraw-Hill, whose publications included American Heritage. During that time he designed numerous books -including high-school textbooks and trade books, sold to the public and bookstores. His favorite of the trade books he designed was The Life and Times of Will Rogers; An Autobiography (still available on Amazon). Pat also built a 35-year career in publishing, working in editorial and promotion roles with five different companies.

Suddenly (it seemed to Terry) he was being recruited by the Vice President in charge McGraw-Hill's own Corporate Creative Services (CCS). This department competing with outside agencies in cost-effectiveness and design excellence produced a variety of materials including direct mail campaigns, convention signage and booths, visual aids supporting McGraw-Hill executive presentations to perspective advisers and/or shareholders, 3D awards, and McGraw-Hill annual reports. Meeting these assignments was Terry's challenge as senior MHCCS art director for the remainder of his career.

In 2005, the couple retired to what had long been their summer home in the borough of Delaware Water Gap (pop. 750) Pennsylvania. They were drawn to the area by its natural beauty as well as its vibrant arts and jazz community. The Gaughans became active volunteers in many local organizations, particularly Celebration of the Arts (COTA), the Delaware Water Gap Chamber of Commerce, the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain, and Columcille Megalith Park.

Terry enjoyed anything powered by an engine- especially F1 and Indy Car Racing, which he would watch at any hour. He also took great pleasure in model railroading. He was a founding member of the Delaware Water Gap Classic Car Club and the DWG Station Preservation Partnership, where he valued the friendship and camaraderie of many friends and fellow enthusiasts.

In addition to his wife, Pat, he is survived by his older brother, John Charles (Jack) Gaughan [who, with his late wife Cynthia are the parents of Terry's niece and nephew, Liz Gaughan Brown and John C. Gaughan Jr.] [Liz, with her late husband, Richard, are the parents of Jessica and Katie.] [John, with his wife, Laurie, are the parents of Jenna and Natalie.] Terry is also survived by another niece Shannon Kelly-Gaughan and her husband, Dan Kelly-Gaughan, who are the parents of PJ, named after Terry's late brother, Patrick James Gaughan, Shannon's father. Terry is also survived by one cousin, Marcia Gaughan, and three dear friends who have been confidants and guideposts since their collage days: Marsha Wallace and Rex and Anna Lee Wilson.

Terry also leaves behind his devoted friend Diane Brady, whose support meant so much to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Iris; his older brother Patrick; and his younger sister, Pamela.

At Terry's request, there will be no services at this time. Terrys and Pat's ashes will be interred near the St. Columba Chapel at Columcille Megalith Park, near Bangor PA.

To paraphrase CNN's Wolf Blitzer when he signs off with a respectful farewell to fallen US Military personnel: May the memories of Terry's vibrant presence on planet Earth be a blessing.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the William H. Clark Funeral Home in Stroudsburg.