Terence “Terry” Vail Mullaney

Terence “Terry” Vail Mullaney passed away from complications of dementia at the age of 79 on January 2, 2024. His devoted wife, Frances “Fran” Mullaney of 57 years, and four adult children were at his bedside at the time of his passing. Terry was born August 11, 1944, in Waterbury, CT. He was the middle child of Francis and Catherine Mullaney. His oldest brother, Stephen, died in 1959 when Terry was just fifteen. In addition to his wife, Terry is survived by his four children; Marybeth, Stephen (Alyssa), Cathleen, and Brendan (Renee); as well as his four treasured grandchildren, Nolan, Ella, Colin, and Tommy, whom he adored. He is also survived by his sister Clare H. Barnett, his brother-in-law John Barnett, their children Katy Washington and Andrew Barnett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Terry graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, CT, and St. Bonaventure University in New York. Terry enlisted in the Marines Corps to serve in Vietnam. He lived by the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, symbolizing his lifelong commitment to the Corps and his Country. After Vietnam, he went to work as a bond consultant for Travelers Insurance. Terry moved to Columbia, South Carolina, in 1974 to work with the Insurance Company of North America (INA). He later became a partner at the Ellison Insurance Agency and then founded The Mullaney Agency, Inc. Throughout his insurance career, Terry was a tireless advocate for his clients, enabling many South Carolina contractors to flourish.

Terry loved living in the South and on Lake Murray. He continuously boasted about the weather, hospitality, and sincerity. His northern friends referred to him as the ambassador of South Carolina. He was a voracious reader and an avid golfer. One of his favorite things in the world was playing golf with his grandsons. He was a fanatical Red Sox fan and had a lifelong sports rivalry with his sister Clare, who is a die-hard Yankee fan. Terry never missed watching a game and visited Fenway Park several times throughout his life.

Terry overcame the disease of addiction. At the time of death, he had over twenty years in recovery. Terry counseled others giving them hope and helping them with their recovery by sharing the experiences of his own. He was always willing to help those suffering from addiction find their own path to recovery.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 195 Amicks Ferry Rd, Chapin, SC, on January 11th at 10 AM. The Family also invites friends to a Celebration of Life and luncheon that will follow the Mass at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC, from 12 to 2 PM. A private inurnment will take place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery with Military Honors by the United States Marines at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.