Terrance J. "Terry" Jagiel

An Enduring Legacy: Remembering Terrance Jagiel
Terrance (Terry) Jagiel, a man whose life was a testament to humor, an unwavering 'sunshine personality,' and boundless love, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025 at the age of 84 in Perrysburg, OH.
Terry was born on July 26, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of hard-working Polish immigrants. From his inventive father, Zigmund, he inherited a deep sense of curiosity, and from his dedicated mother, Angeline, who cleaned nursing school dorms until her 70s, he learned the value of hard work and determination. Terry quickly became known as a lighthearted jokester, especially to his younger sisters, Kathy and Linda, whom he loved to tease.
A Life Defined by Freedom and Laughter
Terry's path of service began in 1959 when he joined the Air Force. In 1963, he married his young sweetheart, Patricia Waite, beginning a marriage that gave him his two cherished children, Deborah and Patrick.
Terry often described himself as having "itchy feet." He wasn't content working for others, so he channeled his tremendous strength and work ethic into his own business, successfully running a painting, carpet cleaning, and home repair service for many years. He supported his family well through his physical labor until his 70s, when his toughness finally yielded to retirement.
Terry truly lived up to his "sunshine personality"-it took a great deal to get him down, and he instantly charmed almost everyone he met, attracting people like bees to honey. Always the optimist, Terry was constantly thinking of new jokes or new inventions. One of his favorite ideas was Sedation Airlines where passengers would be put to sleep in order to arrive at their destination rested and anxiety-free.
Never content to stay home, Terry moved his family to Arizona and Florida and taught his children to always explore and try new things. He showed them by example that sometimes the grass really is greener elsewhere.
During the second half of his life, Terry found his soulmate in Marti Wells. They spent 26 wonderful years together, traveling all over the country, visiting family, and enjoying the beauty of this nation.
Even as Terry aged, humor was his enduring trademark. Whether it was the burning-through-cash wallet at dinner or the "you caught my eye" joke for the 50th time, Terry always made us laugh. He loved music, and often made Marti dance as he played his harmonica. Despite growing up in Ohio, Terry loved all things cowboy and collected hats and boots until there was no more room for them in the house. But above all this, Terry loved visiting with his friends and family. He might not have realized it but he collected many more people who loved him than all those hats and boots.
By the end of his life, Terry had quelled his itchy feet somewhat, but always the optimist, he was making plans to take a train to Texas where his fourth great grandchild, a baby boy, will be born in January.
To say Terry will be sorely missed is an understatement. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, yet he taught us how to live, embracing every day with joy and humor, love and kindness.
Terry is survived by his loving partner of 26 years, Marti Wells.
He was a devoted father to Deborah (Gleason) Rielly and Patrick Jagiel and the proudest "Grandpa" to his adored grandchildren, Brian (Jessica) Gleason, Timothy Gleason, Brendan Rielly, and his three great-grandchildren, Isla and Vivienne and Leo. Terry is also survived by his beloved sister Linda Bean and cousin Carol Smith as well as a wide circle of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Zigmund and Angeline (Sliwinski) Jagiel, his first wife Patricia (Waite) Jagiel as well as a beloved sister Kathleen (Kinsel) Jagiel and an infant brother Patrick Jagiel.
A celebration of Terry's life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at noon, at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 South Reynolds Road, Toledo, Ohio. A burial at the Veterans' Cemetery in Boynton Beach, Florida will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Terry's memory to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551.
For those who knew him, honor him by making someone laugh today and bring a little more joy into the world.