HUDSON FALLS—Terrance
Wayne “Terry” O’Neil of Hudson Falls passed away Friday morning,
November 6, 2020, at Glens Falls Hospital following a courageous battle with
cancer. He was 82.
Born June
16, 1938, in Elizabethtown, he was the son of Roland O’Neil and Marion
(Maloney) O’Neil.
After
graduating from South Glens Falls in 1955, he attended Cornell University for
an internship in agricultural science. In 1956, Terry worked as a milk tester
for Washington County, keeping statistical records pertaining to cattle for the
Washington County Dairy Herds Association.
In 1957, Terry
eloped with his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Spano, whom he met while they
were working in the high school cafeteria.
In 1957, he
was employed at Jaxton Manufacturing in Glens Falls as traffic manager in
charge of inventory control. In 1967, Terry began working at Scott Paper
Company where he worked his way up to quality control manager and technician
retiring in 1995.
“You
have to try to build and come out of your own corner of excellence.” That
was Terry’s motto, and he demonstrated it by being a lifelong volunteer in the
community. He was a genuine point of light. For sixty years, Terry committed
himself to making a difference starting with the United Methodist Church when
he was a member of the youth fellowship, organizing and participating in many
activities. During that time, Terry was also involved in the Moreau Mt. Boys
4-H Club Committee, becoming chair at the young age of 14. In 1954 he became a
member of the New York 4-H Conservation Training Camp and the 28th New York
State 4-H Club Congress. While Terry was in 4-H he received the Saratoga County
Rotary 4-H Club project award as well as certificates of achievement for
agricultural demonstration contests and many ribbons from the Saratoga County
Fair. Terry continued to serve at the church on the Board of Trustees and the
Commission of Education. He was also involved in various maintenance projects
and fundraisers over the years.
He founded
the Kingsbury Community Pool Committee with a small group of volunteers in his
house on Willow Street, and eventually it grew large enough to meet at Martha’s
restaurant in Hudson Falls. Terry was a member of the Greenjackets Board of
Directors and served as treasurer. He served as community chairman for UNICEF
for 3 years. He was a member of the Tri-County Traffic Club from 1963-67
serving 2 years as treasurer. Terry was a charter member of the Kingsbury
Jaycees. In 1968 he received the Jaycees Academy of Honor Award. In 1969 he was
one of the lead coordinators for the Jaycees’ hurricane Camille relief effort
at the Masonic Temple in Hudson Falls. Terry also held various offices in the
Jaycees including treasurer and as president of the Kingsbury chapter in 1971.
He was a member of the Sandy Hill Days Committee and was involved in organizing
the first event in 1985. Terry spearheaded the undertaking for the 5 Combines
Feeder Canal Park. He started working there before the Feeder Canal Alliance
was established and continued for over 20 years. In 2005, Terry received a
Feeder Canal Alliance distinguished service award. Both Terry and his wife are
honorary members of the Hudson Falls Fire Department.
He enjoyed
barbecuing and hosting family reunions on the outdoor patio he built. Terry
also liked camping, walking, riding his bike, collecting old milk bottles, and
working at the locks. He passed the time telling stories about growing up in
the country in Port Henry and Fortsville, his experiences working with people
in the community, and researching family history.
He was
predeceased by his mother in 1995, his father in 1991, and his sister Kathleen
O’Neil in 2019.
Survivors
include his loving wife of 63 years, Marilyn; his two daughters, Tracie (Carl)
Horton of Virginia and Stephanie Hill of Hudson Falls; his two sons, Roland
(Mary) O’Neil of Hudson Falls, and Gordon O’Neil of South Glens Falls; his
brother, Larry O’Neil; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many
nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling
hours will be on Thursday, November 12, 2020, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carleton
Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Please follow all necessary COVID guidelines and restrictions.
Graveside
services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, at Moss
Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury with the Reverend Kim Reed, pastor of
the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church, officiating.
Memorial
donations may be sent to the Hudson Falls Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire
Department, 220 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or the Feeder Canal
Alliance P.O. Box 2414, Glens Falls, NY 12801.