Mr. John P Terranova

John P. Terranova Surrounded by his family, John Patrick Terranova, 93, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2014. John was born September 7, 1921, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the only son of the late Enola Miranne Terranova Belperain. He was a graduate of Warren Easton High School, in New Orleans (1938) and attended LSU, on an art scholarship. World II interrupted his studies and he served in the US Coast Guard, in Mobile. While stationed in Mobile, he met his future wife Lillian. After his discharge from the service, he began what would become a 42-year career with Metzger's Men's Store. "Mr. Terry" dressed generations of businessmen in Mobile, most of whom became friends. After his retirement, he moved to Fairhope, where he enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the Eastern Shore. John's faith in God and his love for his family took priority for him in every aspect of his life. His family was his refuge and he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved, where he was most assuredly holding court, laughing, telling jokes, eating a good meal and recalling stories of the "old days." John's other great love was his art. He was a classically trained artist, specializing in cartoons. He was known throughout Mobile for his cartoon work and his very special brand of calligraphy. If the old saying is true that every man's life can be summed up in one phrase, then the expression that described John Terranova was quite simple: He was a good man. He was preceded in death by his mother, Enola, and sisters: Camille Keegan and Madeline Gagliano. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Lillian; his sons, John Patrick Terranova, Jr. (Lola), of Mobile; Gary (Norma), of Montgomery, Texas; Barry (Judy), of Fairhope; his beloved daughter Melanie Heath (Russ), of Fairhope; the mother of his grandchildren Laura Terranova, of Fairhope; and the mother of his grandchild Kimi Staples of Cross Plains, Wisconsin; his grandchildren: John Patrick Terranova, III (Monica), Lori Phillips, Matthew Terranova (Sarah), Jessica Geist (Justin), Camille Terranova, Brett Terranova, and Lillian, Christopher and Katherine Terranova; his great grandchildren: Adam Phillips, Erika Phillips, Colton Phillips, Torie Terranova, Natalie and Libby Terranova, Zoey Terranova, and Madeline Geist; and his great-great grandson Fisher Phillips. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, in the Chapel, at Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile. The burial will be immediately thereafter. The family would like to express deep appreciation for the loving care given to both John and Lillian by?Alexis Durgin, Samantha Cook, Alice Barge and Shantell Thompson. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: The Haven, 559 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532.