Obituary of George D. Terry, Jr.

In Loving Memory

George Dewey Terry, Jr.

1937-2024

George Dewey Terry, 86 of Yardley, PA died peacefully on May 8, 2024, from complications relating to a medical device at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Born at St. Francis Hospital, George Dewey grew up in the Jersey Homestead - later known as Roosevelt - with his parents and three brothers.  He spent his days going to school, exploring the nearby woods, reading comics, and playing pick-up games of kick-the-can, baseball, football and basketball.  On a friend’s New Jersey shore Jon Boat, he learned to fish and became a life-long angler.  Pride in the history of Roosevelt stayed with him always.

George graduated from Hightstown High School in 1955; his yearbook describes him as an easy-going, smart, fast-talking (literally), science-loving baseball player.  At a post-graduation dance in Hightstown, he met his future wife, “Darling Merry” (later “Mer”), three years his junior.  When he left New Jersey in 1957 to start serving a four-year stint in the United States Air Force at Louisiana’s England Air Force Base, Merry and George (affectionately nicknamed “Dew” by Merry) were in love.  They married in April 1959.  When George left the Air Force, the couple moved back East and bought a house in Levittown, PA.  There, they welcomed their daughters, Sharon, in 1964, and Jill, in 1967.  They moved to Yardley after Jill was born and happily remained there the rest of their lives.  In 1968, George graduated from Rider University’s night school with a degree in business administration. 

George started his professional life at First Trenton National Bank.  He joined the operations team at Univest in 1971 and worked there for 34 years, retiring as the Executive Vice-President of Operations.  George was committed to his work (never taking a sick day) and to his staff.  He respected those above and below him on the corporate ladder, brought a sense of fun to the routines of work, and retired with many good friends (and great memories). 

When their girls were young, George and Merry began cultivating life-long friendships.  Gatherings among family and friends (including renting a group house at the NJ shore, competing in an NFL betting pool, celebrating St. Patricks’ day in Irish regalia, gathering on Christmas Eve for Madeline’s Swedish meatballs, hiding Easter eggs and watching the grandkids strike an Easter piñata, and trimming the Christmas tree at a neighbor’s home) turned into decades-long traditions that brought much joy and beloved community into George’s life.   

George started coaching Sharon and Jill in Pennsbury Athletic Association girls’ recreational softball in 1978.  When Jill joined the fast-pitch travel team, The Pennsbury Gems (the “Gems”), George signed up to help.  Under his management, the Gems went to four national championship tournaments and their highest national placing - 4^th   place - in 1983.   George closely followed Gems’ sports careers with great pride, celebrated their life milestones, and never retired his Gems’ coaching jacket.    

In addition to his commitment to service with the Gems (recognized by the 1988 Carl Bingham award), George also served the community through the Jaycess, co-leading a church youth group (with Mer), serving as a board member for a woman’s shelter, volunteering at food banks, tutoring children struggling at school, and leading fund-raising campaigns for the Gems and Operation Friendship, an international exchange program.  

George’s daughter Jill died in July 1982 from an undiagnosed heart condition.  George survived this tragedy with the love and support of his family, friends, and the Gems.  He described himself as a “hopeful agnostic.”  George and Merry were Presbyterians while the girls grew up; in their later years, they became Unitarian Universalists. 

After George’s coaching era ended, he and Merry used their free time to travel.  George loved traveling to Europe (and once to Japan) and immersed himself in the history and cuisine (particularly every country’s version of ice cream) of each destination.  That said, George found equal pleasure planning these trips and worked hard to make them special (mainly for Merry).  

When his grandchildren - first Andy, then Georgia, and then Lily arrived - George added the prefix “Grandpa” to George, and his lap became a space for story time and naps.  When the Terrys and Moons combined households, he embarked on a second career as Andy, Georgia and Lily’s “chauffer” as well as a dependable source of hugs and wisdom always willing to play.  (He even forgave them for loving soccer more than softball.)     

At age 65, George received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.  Despite its many and accumulating challenges, he continued living his life with steadfast grit leavened with good humor.  After Merry died this past November after 64 years together (their romance never faded), he carried on with his characteristic quiet strength finding happiness in his connections with his family and dear old and new friends (and watching every Eagles and Phillies broadcast).

He will be remembered for his bravery, his athleticism, his generosity in quietly serving others, his use of sarcasm to illuminate truths big and small, his love of gentle teasing, and his beautiful silver-grey hair.  His big heart and deep tenderness made him a beloved confidant to his family and many friends.  He is greatly missed.

Predeceased by his parents, Evelyn and George Dewey Terry, Sr.; his brothers, Richard “Dick” A. Mellor and James E. Terry; his beloved wife, Merry Marion; and precious daughter, Jill Greig;  he is survived by his daughter Sharon Lee and her husband James David, Moon also of Yardley, PA; his grandson Andrew Greig Moon of Brooklyn, NY; his granddaughter Georgia Jill Moon of Nashville, TN; his granddaughter Lily May Moon of Decatur, GA; his sister-in-law Jan and her husband Errol, Lawrence of Pemberton, NJ; and his brother Roy and his wife Delores, Terry of Ewing, NJ.   He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, Sharon’s in-laws, life-long neighbors, and cherished friends.

A calling hour will be held on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home at 17 South Delaware Avenue, Yardley, PA.  A Funeral Service to follow promptly at 11:00 am.   

Sharon and James Moon invite family and friends to an open house to share stories of George’s life and many escapades at their home in the afternoon after the service from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Light refreshments will be served.  

George’s ashes will be interned in a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George’s name to Rock Steady Boxing located at 6847 Hillsdale Court, Indianapolis, IN 46250.  See https://www.rocksteadyboxing.org/faq/  for more information about this charitable organization that provided so much pleasure to George.