Thomas Gaetano Terranova

It is with intense sorrow that we mourn the death of Thomas Gaetano Terranova of Redmond, WA. He passed away comfortably under Hospice care at Evergreen Hospital on Sunday, December 18th at the age of 94 years.

Tom’s journey on the trail of life began in Buffalo, New York. Born to Sicilian immigrant parents who decided to pursue better prospects, he moved to Los Angeles as a young child. A precocious elementary student, it was recommended that he skip two grades, however, elected one, thereby graduating from Lincoln High School at the age of 17. As a young man, Tom held jobs at a small Italian grocery store owned by his parents, worked as a blacksmith and barber, and earned enough to afford his first car, a new ’52 Chevy Deluxe 210.

His early terms majoring in Engineering at UCLA were taxing and triggered a change in direction. Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1948 to 1952 on the USS Midway. He often spoke of far-away ports of call, buying gifts abroad for the wife he had yet to meet, and life shaping experiences during his tour on the Mediterranean. Following an Honorable Discharge, he returned to UCLA, receiving his BA and MA in Education and was invited to become a member of the nation’s most prestigious honor society, Phi Beta Kappa.

Tom’s 32-year career was spent teaching 5th and 6th graders in the LA Unified School District. Known for his high expectations, his students memorized poetry, produced sophisticated art projects, and were scientifically encouraged by atypical dissections.

Tom was unusually strong and enjoyed many physical activities. Both a weightlifter and bowler, he threw nine strikes in a row for a high game of 273. A self-proclaimed “Mountain Man,” his second home was in the wilderness. Casting his rod into a Sierra stream or lake, hiking all parts of the John Muir trail, sitting under a tree, or building a campfire brought him great satisfaction. His dozen descents of the Grand Canyon warranted the nickname “12 Time Tommy.” While an active hiker and cyclist well into his 80’s, it was the game of tennis that allowed him score his true love.

Inseparable after meeting Barbara on the court over a blind date, Tom was creatively romantic, steadfastly loyal, and deeply devoted throughout their 66-year marriage. His countless poetic expressions, entertaining wit, and constant adoration yielded a lifetime partnership that was rare and inspiring. Amongst their series of love letters, Barbara taught Tom to read music, discovering after marriage his impressive bass voice. Spanning six decades, Tom was a choir member and cantor at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (Sunland, CA), cantor at St. Bede’s Church (La Canada, CA), and member of the St. Jude’s Sanctuary and Angel Choirs (Redmond, WA). Charismatically, he would bring down the house with his showmanship during solo performances. He also enjoyed playing recorder with a regular group and during recitals with his wife and three musical daughters, often noting, “The family that plays together, stays together.”

A dedicated father and grandfather, he would entertain family and friends on his verbal playground through poetry recitations and writings. Tom was imaginative and comfortable in many artistic mediums. He formed a life-sized nativity scene out of papier-mâché, made numerous mosaics and ceramics, painted figurines and statues, and crafted artistic and functional woodworks. He shared many of these works, as well as fruits and vegetables grown on his acre-sized property, with his family and friends. Along with flawless rock and block walls, he built trails which spanned hundreds of feet. All of his projects were self-drafted and completed with expert precision.

Into his late 80’s, Tom impeccably maintained his yard and home. He was reliable, punctual, and neatly dressed. Tom was inquisitive, well-read, and a lifelong learner, easily keeping pace with often watched Jeopardy contestants. He liked to converse in Spanish, invent and play games, tell jokes, and shared his clever humor with everyone he crossed paths with.

Tom believed in “leaving a nice trail behind.” He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara, parents, Calogero and Esther Terranova, brother, Charles Terranova, and son-in-law, Marc Messina. He is survived by his three daughters Mary Esther Terranova Bartelt, Regina Terranova Ecker, and Madonna Terranova Messina, four grandchildren, Allegra, Daniella, and Locust Messina, and Ariel Bartelt, sons-in-law Cary Ecker and Bruce Bartelt, and extended family, Mary Filkins and Sharon Messina.

Reflecting Tom’s passion for education and his love of country, memorial donations can be made in his name to the US Naval Institute at: https://www.usni.org/foundation Under “Send a message with your donation” please note “Tom Terranova.” Alternately, checks can be addressed to the Naval Institute Foundation and mailed to 291 Wood Road; Annapolis, MD 21402. Thank you.